When oppression is heavy, we still have an option: to seek the Lord’s favor.

God alone can send a Savior to deliver us from the enemy.

The enemy of sin and death is inherent with our fleshy nature (Adamic curse).

The Savior, Christ Jesus the Lord, was given by the Heavenly Father to conquer sin and death. (John 3:16)

Although our physical body will die, spiritual rebirth means that we will not perish but will have a future home in heaven with the Lord. #everlastinglife

We are “seen” even when life is overwhelming. God remembers that we are but dust and will strengthen us as we cry to Him for help.

Leaving a legacy for our family means first living by faith, then trusting Him with the generations to come (will they do the same?) -Teresa #forgiveusLordforunbelief

2 Kings 13:4-9 (ESV)

⁴ Then Jehoahaz sought the favor of the Lord, and the Lordlistened to him, for he saw the oppression of Israel, how the king of Syria oppressed them.⁵ (Therefore the Lord gave Israel a savior, so that they escaped from the hand of the Syrians, and the people of Israel lived in their homes as formerly. ⁶ Nevertheless, they did not depart from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, which he made Israel to sin, but walked^[a] in them; and the Asherah also remained in Samaria.) ⁷ For there was not left to Jehoahaz an army of more than fifty horsemen and ten chariots and ten thousand footmen, for the king of Syria had destroyed them and made them like the dust at threshing. ⁸ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz and all that he did, and his might, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? ⁹ So Jehoahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in Samaria, and Joash his son reigned in his place.

My husband and his dad are a wonderful example of this Proverb. This picture was taken at the 50th celebration for my in-laws (15 years ago)!

The generations exclaim this truth that father figures are ultimately important, not only in the first generation but in the subsequent generations. In fact, father love can make the family (or sadly enough -without it, can break the family).

Who teaches such compassion, encouragement and comfort? YHWH, God our Heavenly Father has shown forth His character of forgiveness and mercy. He desires to be involved in our lives in such a way that we receive His comfort and encouragement daily.

This is only possible through God’s Son and our Savior, the LORD Jesus Christ. Jesus has provided peace for mankind. The Holy Spirit provides us with daily help until the moment we can be reunited together in heaven someday.

Until then, let us rejoice in our wonderful fathers and grandfathers. In so doing, we put a crown on their heads, meaning authority and dignity. -Teresa

Proverbs 17:6 (ESV)

⁶ Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,
    and the glory of children is their fathers.

I’ve been reading a great book this week called, “The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey” by Rinker Buck. My interest came when my husband told me about how sure- footed and intelligent mules are. The author retraces this famous pioneer route using a covered wagon drawn by mules.

I realize in many ways I’m like a mule. Certainly, their stubbornness is what allowed me this comparison but their skittish nature is what made it fully believable. Lol 🤣

On the other hand, the good qualities seem to be what God is developing and proving as evidences in my life. Will I be able to “finish” the journey well using a surefooted approach? It certainly is my heartfelt prayer.

Just as this Psalm teaches that our solid confidence can only come from the LORD, we are also assured of His protection and promise of eternal life.

I like to visualize a giant hug surrounding me as I trust the abiding favor of God’s love through Christ Jesus my LORD. Moreover, if Zion represents the New Jerusalem, then I can remain unmoved by wickedness or worldly wisdom. #Godstempleisinheavenlyplaces

Today, do not harden your heart but understand God’s intention for those who believe*. -Teresa

Psalm 125:1-3 (ESV)

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
    which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
² As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
    so the Lord surrounds his people,
    from this time forth and forevermore.
³ For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
    on the land allotted to the righteous,
lest the righteous stretch out
    their hands to do wrong.

*Read Derek Kidner’s commentary on Psalm 125 for comparison of Mount Zion to “its living counterpart the church” and its encircling hills to God. (p. 438)