Who will serve the sentence handed down justly? Is it the one who broke the law or is it the one who transgressed?

When Jesus was “numbered with the transgressors”, he sweat great drops of blood as though he were the one facing a horrible sentence.

Isaiah 52-53 is a beautiful poem in ancient Hebrew of God’s plan to allow the suffering servant (Jesus Christ our LORD) to be substituted for the people*. By taking our penalty for sin, He allowed us to be free indeed.

Whosoever will, shall come (Revelation 22:17). – Teresa #lovedabundantly #newbeginnings

*Becoming What God Intended, Dr. David Eckman

Luke 22:35-38 (ESV)

35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. 37 For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” 38 And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.”

Luke 22:39-45 (ESV)

39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.[a] 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

Isaiah 53:11,12 (NIV)

11 After he has suffered,
he will see the light of lifeand be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justifymany,
and he will bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
and he will divide the spoilswith the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.

There is a point where the atmospheric pressure is too great to exert full throttle pressure. The consequence would be destruction of the shuttle.

There are also times when we are shouldering such a load that we must ease back on the throttle to perserve our health.

We can persistently bring our burdens to God, He will come to our aid in the right time (speedily, without delay). At the right moment, He will free us up to experience full power mode – throttle up!!

The world system, the lusts of the flesh and the adversary of our soul (aka screwtape’s boss) are working to keep us under maximum pressure. At some point we must recognize it and remember who can successfully carry this load for us.

The Son of Man came to bring relief to mankind, forgiveness of sin. Do I trust God’s provision for me? Am I following Him without deceit? – Teresa #takemebacktofirstlove #watchthechosen #season2e2

Luke 18: 1-18 (ESV)

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

18 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Turning a year older, I find my mind reminiscing over the ways that God has faithfully provided.

It takes so much strength and courage because our faith walk does not see the end of the story.

The children of Israel heard from Rahab, (a prostitute), what the Canaanite people really thought of them. The stories involved God parting the Red Sea in a mighty show of power to escape from Egypt. They were terrified of God’s power.

Trusting God’s word, the Bible, as my guide brings me full assurance of His presence. He has parted the Red Sea to deliver me from a sinful nature. He will continue to guide my steps with His glorious presence. Spiritually- speaking this is terrifyingly awesome.

This past year, I was involved in a small group ministry called Head2Heart, by Dr. David Eckman. Our group of women was a source of insight and encouragement into what God revealed for my own life.

In the past, my false picture included this thought: I could only be worthy of affection if I carried the brunt of the work. Responsibility was my mantra and if I’m going to do a job- do it right or not at all.

Studying the word of God and understanding His affection for me made me consider a new thought: it’s ok to admit that this load may be too much. I need some help. Not being the hardest worker or the most responsible is ok because He has loved me with an everlasting love. His affection was affirmed and poured out to me through the precious gift of His Son and my Savior- Jesus Christ the Lord.

To experience all that God has for us is not for the faint of heart. Have I trusted Him?- Teresa

#bestrongandcourageous #communityofbelievers #inheritthepromisedland #Heiswithyou

Joshua 1: 6-9 (ESV)

6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success[a] wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

My husband and I like to spend time in nature. This particular excursion allowed us to walk through what is considered by John Muir to be the “greatest forest in the world”.

After watching a documentary called “Intelligent Trees”, I was listening for whether the trees were communicating with each other.

Sure enough, I felt a vibration through the soles of my hiking boots. There had been a light snowfall earlier that morning and we were early. Early enough to experience the hushed silence, alive with miraculous expectations.

I was intent and expectant, certain that the trees were nourishing each other through their life giving communication. What surprised me was that the forest seemed to speak to me as well. Could they sense I was low on sustaining nutrients?

On Easter Sunday, we rejoice in the miracle of resurrection. We rejoice in our Father’s care for every need in our life.

He sent the Word of God to communicate a great truth to us. This truth was expressed in the hushed early dawn hours of an empty tomb. This truth is more important than our anxious preparations. This truth is more needful than serving those whom we love and are important to us. This truth speaks louder than death and despair. This truth steps up when we think someone or ourselves are beyond saving.

This truth is Jesus Christ the Lord, the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). There is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12). God has raised this Jesus to life and we are all witnesses to it (Acts 2:32).

The greatest forest in the world can also teach us this truth. God, our heavenly Father, cares about each and every person. Enough to share His most precious gift, the gift of a seed that was buried, died and yet broke forth into life. A life that is shared with you and me, nourishing our soul.

Heal me, Lord.- Teresa #listeningforu #expectingamiracle

Luke 10:38-42 (ESV)

Martha and Mary

38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus[a] entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary.[b] Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”