Whatever is your gift, use it to God’s glory! If it’s showing hospitality, you are highly favored. God is watching your heart’s desire, to bring glory to Him.

Following an extreme celebration of giving thanks, I am in awe of how worthwhile it is to stop and ponder. When I remember God’s gift to mankind, I cannot begin to compare the “suffering” of chores and celebration preparation to the joy that awaits the fruit of these efforts. #thankfulhearts

But more importantly, loving one another earnestly is the remedy needed to allow forgiveness (even for a multitude of sins). Can we be earnest without first investing time, money and/or attention? #God’slove

Am I touching another as God would want that person to be ministered to? Am I recognizing the grateful heart outpoured to me when thanks is given?

Endurance through suffering is also part of that. It may be needed when my gift is not appreciated, taken for granted or when my grateful thanks is spurned or worse, misunderstood. Suffering may be endured for years. However, by patiently enduring, (James 1- read below) I will see the fruit of a heart being complete (at rest) in Christ, the author and finisher of my faith- Hebrews 12:2.

For the sake of our prayers, we should remain under the Holy Spirit’s influence (self-control). We have no idea who will benefit from our prayers as God puts their name/face in our thoughts.-Teresa #gratefulforyou

James 1:2-4 (NET)

2My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything.

1 Peter 4:7-5:14English Standard Version

⁷ The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. ⁸ Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.⁹ Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: ¹¹ whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Suffering as a Christian

¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴ If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory^[a] and of God rests upon you. ¹⁵ But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. ¹⁶ Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. ¹⁷ For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸ And

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”^[b]

¹⁹ Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Is there anything that stands in the way of God’s love for me, stealing my joy?

Could it be anger that has been allowed to brew deep down? It can stop the flow of love for myself and others.

After all, in James 1, the apostle states that “man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires”. #rightrelationshipwithGod

In order to realize God’s love, we must give up what we feel is ours to hold. Jesus has taken the accusation and the punishment that was rightfully ours. #surrender

That means it is no longer mine to hold. There is no need to justify myself. There is no need to seek recompense.

Who is it that justifies? It is God alone!

As I rest in God’s love for me, I remember the One who is able to deliver me from a joyless existence, providing a righteous life.

Who brings me freedom from angst and showers me with intense joy? His love can begin to overflow in me. Love for myself and love for others is what Jesus will never stop providing. He knows me and helps me realize with confidence that I am loved. #letgoandlove

This passage amazes me over and over.- Teresa #loved

Romans 8:31-39 (NET)

31
What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, freely give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is the one who will condemn? Christ is the one who died (and more than that, he was raised), who is at the right hand of God, and who also is interceding for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we encounter death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us! 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers,39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

James 1:19-26 (ESV)

¹⁹ Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;²⁰ for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. ²¹ Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

²² But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ²³ For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. ²⁴ For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. ²⁵ But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

²⁶ If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. ²⁷ Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

*photo credit, Gabby Trint Buule

My husband and I were reminded last night of the beauty that overflows when a life given to follow God is based on his word, the Bible.

We heard the story of identical twin boys, now young men who have chosen to follow hard after God. They were not ashamed to say, “how could we not know there is a God? We have been given so much NOT through coincidence but through the Holy Spirit provision.”

How long has it been since a young person’s wisdom literally blew me away. It was because they not only talked it, but were walking it!!

Their respect for “older people” was matched with their enthusiasm to share themselves, unashamedly. They ministered to my husband and me. I alluded to it being like we were clothed with the sword of the Spirit: by locking shields together (the faith of fellow believers) we were able to cut through enemy ground with the sword of the Spirit (the word of God) and advance for the kingdom of God.

They ended our time together with expressing their love for God not only because he had provided for them physically (raised by a single mom), but he had brought emotional healing by helping them forgive their father (who has chosen to remain out of their lives).

They were a picture of the Psalm below. Overflowing with joy to speak of their trust in God, genuinely interested in those they spoke with, they gave out of the abundance of the wisdom in their souls. #GodasFather

What is it that causes dread vs. anticipation and how can we turn it around?. Am I seeing it as a way to grow in my understanding of God’s provision for me, am I approaching it as a question of what does God need to change in me or am I just determined to be a positive influence around others? (all wonderful answers given by others).

For me, I am sure that God wants to help me change certain things in the way I think. Instead of being concerned about “others opinions of me”, to be focused on Him. Studying and delighting in God’s work in others brings wisdom.

My grief (or my dread) makes me realize that I’ve had loss but it also helps me anticipate the comfort I can share with others. My daughter sent a picture of these teardrops- such a wonderful visual of God’s love for us. (Remember the Father’s teardrop at the conclusion of the Passion*)? Be moved and blessed by God- Teresa #wisdomoftheyouth

*the Passion of the Christ, 2004 film written by Mel Gibson

Psalm 111:1-10 (ESV)

111 ^[a] Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
² Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
³ Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
⁴ He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and merciful.
⁵ He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
⁶ He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
⁷ The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;
⁸ they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
⁹ He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name!
¹⁰ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!

I’ve been working as a student extern for the past three weeks, applying for my pharmacy tech license tomorrow. As a retired RN, I am enjoying this field. There are regulatory laws that oversee pharmacy practice. Each law was introduced to make the products or distribution of the drugs safer, guaranteeing effectiveness.

In this passage, the law was given to establish on earth, a heavenly perspective. When it came to developing perfect righteousness for mankind, however, the law failed and the priestly oath was established. For those instances when mankind was unable to keep the law, blood was shed (animal sacrifice) and through the authority of the priest it was offered as atonement for the person’s sin against God (sin is…missing His mark of perfection).

The sacrificial system was transformed when Jesus Christ the LORD came. He offered himself up once and for all as the perfect (sinless) sacrifice, shedding his own blood to atone for all our sin (past, present and future). He was also made (through the Father’s oath), a perfect priest, guaranteeing the new covenant agreement between God and man. (See Jeremiah 31 below).

His authority over my life is final. As much as “man-made” systems would like to thwart or skew God’s word, in the end He decides what is just and right. After all, He is our creator and the sustainer of life.

“He is able to save to the uttermost” (v.25). How? He always lives to intercede on our behalf. Wow!! Can you think of anything better than knowing the eternally perfect Son of God has taken you under His wing?

Our part is found in that same verse (25)…”draw near to God through him“. Without Jesus Christ the Lord, we have no safe passage to God the Father. He proclaims this requirement in the gospel of John (see below).

When I learn a new profession, I am not perfect. There is a learning curve. As humans, can we ever be perfect, spiritually? I heard a great song this week by Rachel Lampa (with Toby Mac) called “Perfectly Loved” . Perfectly Loved

Hope you enjoy! – Teresa

Hebrews 7:18-28English Standard Version

¹⁸ For on the one hand, a former commandment set aside because of its weakness and uselessness¹⁹ (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

²⁰ And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, ²¹ but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him:

“The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind,
‘You are a priest forever.’”

²² This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.

²³ The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, ²⁴ but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever.²⁵ Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost^[a] those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

²⁶ For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. ²⁷ He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. ²⁸ For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

Jeremiah 31:33-34 (NET)

“But I will make a new covenant with the whole nation of Israel after I plant them back in the land,” says the Lord. “I will put my law within them and write it on their hearts and minds. I will be their God and they will be my people.34
“People will no longer need to teach their neighbors and relatives to know me. For all of them, from the least important to the most important, will know me,” says the Lord. “For I will forgive their sin and will no longer call to mind the wrong they have done.”

John 6:44-46 (NET)

44No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who hears and learns from the Father comes to me. 46 (Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God – he has seen the Father.)