This painting means so much to me as it depicts a typical winter scene. (I grew up in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of MI). My brothers were such good boys, I think of them whenever I look at it. Reminding me of an innocent time of life, I can get lost in the memory.

Our heavenly Father provided his Son, Jesus Christ the Lord who endured for the purpose of becoming perfect in obeying the Father’s will.

If we are suffering because of our sin nature, we can take comfort and remember that our “brother” has helped us. He suffered under distressing temptation yet trusted the Father’s purpose. He was obedient unto death, even death on the cross. (Philippians 2:8). All of this to free us from being slaves to sin.

Although life does not always turn out as we had envisioned, we have a certain hope that our heavenly Father sees every sparrow that falls. Our lives are precious to Him. They are not wasted, but treasured.

No wonder we are refreshed when we see the joy of a family prospering through His grace. -Teresa #praiseHimpraiseHimallthelittlechildren #Godislove #AbrahambelievedGodanditwascreditedtohimas #righteousness #doubelieve?

Hebrews 2: 10-18 (ESV)

10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source.[b] That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,[c] 12 saying,

“I will tell of your name to my brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”
13 And again,

“I will put my trust in him.”
And again,

“Behold, I and the children God has given me.”
14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

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Footnotes

Hebrews 2:7 Some manuscripts insert and set him over the works of your hands
Hebrews 2:11 Greek all are of one
Hebrews 2:11 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; also verse 12

There is rhyme and reason to the governing of God. “He sits enthroned upon the cherubim”…what a beautiful reference to God’s Son as a sacrifice, able to atone for our sin.

As we participate in recognizing and exalting Him for His holiness, then we will experience worship like none other. Equity, justice and righteousness are spoken of as the reason for our ability to exalt in His reign, bowing down in worship.

Moses, Aaron and Samuel had one thing in common: an open line of communication with God, responding to His answers and keeping His testimonies and statutes. God answered their cries, forgave them and avenged their wrongdoings (gaining satisfaction through the blood of the Lamb).

Because the Lord our God is holy (and we are not), we are moved to bow in worship at His holy mountain, recognizing our need of Him. Let us exalt Him with renewed awe at what it meant for Him to avenge for our wrongdoings. -Teresa

Psalm 99:1-9 (ESV)

99 The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!
He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!
2 The Lord is great in Zion;
he is exalted over all the peoples.
3 Let them praise your great and awesome name!
Holy is he!
4 The King in his might loves justice.[a]
You have established equity;
you have executed justice
and righteousness in Jacob.
5 Exalt the Lord our God;
worship at his footstool!
Holy is he!
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
Samuel also was among those who called upon his name.
They called to the Lord, and he answered them.
7 In the pillar of the cloud he spoke to them;
they kept his testimonies
and the statute that he gave them.
8 O Lord our God, you answered them;
you were a forgiving God to them,
but an avenger of their wrongdoings.
9 Exalt the Lord our God,
and worship at his holy mountain;
for the Lord our God is holy!

Whether you are a man or a woman, God desires for you to be saved. The guardian impressed us this morning as we observed the dynamics of the flock of goats and how “their” dog did his job, warning us not to get too close.

Likewise, God’s word reminds us to stay under the protection of prayer. It will guide us and guard us in our understanding of God. The dignified presence of godliness helps us take the punches of life and remain supple. Those who become stiff necked will be broken and bitter.

In addition, Paul’s teaching about the roles of men and women in the church may be controversial. My understanding is that in Paul’s day, women were not educated (but men were). Therefore, this passage is not entirely applicable in our culture today.

To keep women “hidden” is not the intent but to keep them protected.

I feel that every church should be diverse, including the presence of a “senior pastor” for women-who is a woman. Why should women be subject to receive counseling/teaching only from men (or their “pastor’s wives” who may have no seminary education?) A man may understand the Bible but really has no understanding of women. The women of the church deserve a woman pastor who is educated (just as the men deserve a male pastor who is educated). No man (or woman) should take on tbe role of being “everything” to all genders.

In keeping with Paul, I feel that senior pastors (whether male or female) are under the authority of the elders of the church- to prevent a “cult- like” monopoly of power or kingdom building.

Elders are generally male (but God has allowed unique instances for a woman to step into that role of leadership, when necessary- i.e. Priscilla, Lydia and O.T., Deborah). Contrary to many who may bash Paul for his harsh choice of words, I feel that he is a proponent for women, by allowing for our protection. Do our church leaders do the same today?

We need each other in our own unique roles. By looking to our mediator, Christ Jesus, we are saved (or ransomed from a sin-induced separateness). -Teresa #savedinchildbearing #marsprotectsvenus #prayerandgoodworksunite

1 Timothy 2:1-15 (ESV)

2 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man[a] Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

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Footnotes

1 Timothy 2:5 men and man render the same Greek word that is translated people in verses 1 and 4

I am overcome by how well God refreshes our souls. We just came back from vacation and I realized that “letting down” sometimes allows our true feelings to surface. In fact, we may even feel extra tired (although our output has decreased significantly). God makes a provision for us. He gives us ways to see our world afresh and at the top of my list today was #1 -Thank my Father. His shining face is a miracle of life. – Teresa #savedbylife #God’sgraceismightytorestore

Psalm 80:14-19 (ESV)

Turn again, O God of hosts!
    Look down from heaven, and see;
have regard for this vine,
¹⁵     the stock that your right hand planted,
    and for the son whom you made strong for yourself.
¹⁶ They have burned it with fire; they have cut it down;
    may they perish at the rebuke of your face!
¹⁷ But let your hand be on the man of your right hand,
    the son of man whom you have made strong for yourself!
¹⁸ Then we shall not turn back from you;
    give us life, and we will call upon your name!

¹⁹ Restore us, O Lord God of hosts!
Let your face shine, that we may be saved!

An excerpt from Matthew Henry’s commentary describes this passage: “Verses 17-19 The Messiah, the Protector and Saviour of the church, is the Man of God’s right hand; he is the Arm of the Lord, for all power is given to him. In him is our strength, by which we are enabled to persevere to the end. The vine, therefore, cannot be ruined, nor can any fruitful branch perish; but the unfruitful will be cut off and cast into the fire. The end of our redemption is, that we should serve Him who hath redeemed us, and not go back to our old sins.”

If you are wondering what the Lord of Hosts means, I found a very well founded answer from (Gotquestions.org) using Ken Hemphill’s recommended resource: The Names of God.

Question: “What does the Bible mean when it calls God the ‘LORD of hosts’?”

Answer: The name “LORD of hosts” occurs some 261 times in the Old Testament Scriptures. God is first called the “LORD of hosts” in 1 Samuel 1:3. The word LORD, capitalized, refers to Yahweh, the self-existent, redemptive God. The word hosts is a translation of the Hebrew word sabaoth, meaning “armies”—a reference to the angelic armies of heaven. Thus, another way of saying “LORD of hosts” is “God of the armies of heaven.” The NIV translates YHWH saboath as “LORD Almighty.”

This name for God first appears at the close of the period of the judges. In the same sentence as “LORD of hosts” is a reference to Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The Ark symbolized Yahweh’s rulership, among other things, for He sits enthroned above the cherubim (1 Samuel 4:4; Psalm 99:1). Some have suggested that ”LORD of hosts” reaffirms that God is the true Leader of Israel’s armies, in spite of the low spiritual condition of the nation of Israel at the time of the judges. In 1 Samuel 17:45, as part of his pre-fight verbal sparring with Goliath, David invokes this name of God. In doing so, David was claiming that God is the universal ruler over every force whether in heaven or on earth.

Soon after David’s defeat of Goliath, Israel would enter the international scene. It was necessary for the nation to realize that Yahweh was King even of the many other mighty nations. This kingship of the LORD of hosts is vividly expressed in Psalm 24:10: “Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory!” (ESV). He is the glorious King of Israel, and Zechariah 14:9 tells us that He will be King of the world, over all the kingdoms of the earth (cf. Isaiah 37:16).

Eventually, Yahweh of armies will put down all rebellion (Isaiah 24:21–23) and establish His Kingdom from Mt. Zion (Isaiah 31:4–5; 34:12). As the LORD of hosts, God is the all-powerful Ruler over the entire universe. All power and authority are His. He alone intervenes to provide victory for His people. He alone brings world peace. At the same time, He is available to hear the prayers of His people (Psalm 80:19). There is no other God like this.

The sovereign LORD of hosts has the grace to always be there for the one who comes to Him through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The King of glory, who commands the armies of heaven and who will eventually defeat all His enemies in this world, is none other than Jesus Christ. He is the LORD of hosts (Revelation 19:11–20).

Taking care of plants, developing landscape art, or enjoying nature are all ways to keep our mind on things other than politics, when necessary.

I’ve been listening to two excellent books on Audible, “The Case for Trump” by Victor Davis Hanson and “The Truths We Hold” by Kamala Harris. Both are excellent reads and very enlightening.

God asks us to have a right relationship with those considered to be “enemies”. See Matthew 5:43-48 (NIV)

Love for Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Whether we have a strong political persuasion or have actually crossed over to believing the other side is an enemy, one can always remember to be a decent human being.

Proverbs 24:17-20 (ESV)

17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,
18 lest the Lord see it and be displeased,
and turn away his anger from him.
19 Fret not yourself because of evildoers,
and be not envious of the wicked,
20 for the evil man has no future;
the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

Being perfect can mean only one thing (being Christlike). As we die to self, we live because of Christ in us!!- Teresa #caringisbeauty