There are times in life when everything moves and grows so quickly that we may fail to see how precious it is.

Are we willing to return to and rest in the stronghold of the Lord, who is both rock and refuge for our souls?

I was reading a commentary to the Psalm below, by Derek Kidner. He states (re: v. 13), “Respite is hardly the meaning here; in any case the Hebrew word tends to be used of inward quietness in face of outward troubles.” He then refers to a few passages in Isaiah, including Is. 30:15.*

As we walk on the road of life that is set before us, whether slow or fast-paced. May we always be mindful of those who are in our care and value what God is doing.

His ways of “growing us up” are sometimes the very thing we are helping others to do. By pacing ourselves and noticing the blessings before us, we can exhibit trust in the ONE who holds the universe together.

Just this month, the Artemis II crew spoke eloquently of how fortunate we are to be caretakers of this beautiful planet called earth.

We are given seemingly “insignificant” responsibilities, but how much more will our quiet reliance on God help us to notice His greatness and be grateful for His mercy and grace? -Teresa #willingness #wisdom #nextgeneration

Isaiah 30:15 (ESV)[15] For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But you were unwilling,

Psalm 94:8-23 (ESV)

⁸ Understand, O dullest of the people!
    Fools, when will you be wise?
⁹ He who planted the ear, does he not hear?
He who formed the eye, does he not see?
¹⁰ He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke?
He who teaches man knowledge—
¹¹     the Lord—knows the thoughts of man,
    that they are but a breath.^[a]

¹² Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord,
    and whom you teach out of your law,
¹³ to give him rest from days of trouble,
    until a pit is dug for the wicked.
¹⁴ For the Lord will not forsake his people;
    he will not abandon his heritage;
¹⁵ for justice will return to the righteous,
    and all the upright in heart will follow it.

¹⁶ Who rises up for me against the wicked?
    Who stands up for me against evildoers?
¹⁷ If the Lord had not been my help,
    my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.
¹⁸ When I thought, “My foot slips,”
    your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.
¹⁹ When the cares of my heart are many,
    your consolations cheer my soul.
²⁰ Can wicked rulers be allied with you,
    those who frame^[b] injustice by statute?
²¹ They band together against the life of the righteous
    and condemn the innocent to death.^[c]
22 But the Lord has become my stronghold,
    and my God the rock of my refuge.
²³ He will bring back on them their iniquity
    and wipe them out for their wickedness;
    the Lord our God will wipe them out.Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Psalm 94:11 Septuagint they are futile
2. Psalm 94:20 Or fashion
3. Psalm 94:21 Hebrew condemn innocent blood

*Kidner, Derek, Psalms 73-150, A Commentary on Books III-IV of the Psalms; IVP, England & Illinois. P.342

myreconnection.org/2015/07/20/repentance-becomes-worship/

The sunshine and wildlife this morning were glorious. We witnessed puddle ducks, geese, and an egret. There were three rabbits chasing each other around a bush like a merry-go-round, around and around!

This passage make me think of the patience and gentleness that our Lord exhibited towards his disciples.

So many times they wanted to take the Roman world by storm, defending the glorious Messiah in Jerusalem. In essence, Jesus was preparing them for a different storm- one of perseverance as they patiently held on to hope, while doing the work of His kingdom in many different lands.

Investing requires patience and trust (that what was sown will reap a bountiful harvest).

The footnotes show in verses 13, 17 and 22 that the word “servant” from the parable is actually “bondservant” in the Greek. Here is one description of the heart of a bondservant according to The Bible Hub, “This heart posture of bondservanthood is closely tied to humility, a willingness to place God’s will above personal ambition.”

The only way that we can persevere with hope for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done here on earth is through understanding that our investment rests secure because of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. (Faith in God’s Son, who sits at the right hand of the Father in Heaven)

The gospel message came with such power on the believers at Pentecost that the Holy Spirit allowed the disciples of Christ to proclaim it in many languages. (read Acts 2 below) Explained by Bible Hub.com, “The apostles spoke in different languages in Acts 2:7 to fulfill prophecy, authenticate the gospel, reverse Babel, signal judgment and invitation to Israel, empower worldwide mission, and inaugurate the Church under the new covenant of the risen Christ. The event is historically credible, theologically rich, and evangelistically strategic, displaying the sovereignty and grace of God who speaks every language yet calls all people to one Lord.”

Lord, help us to persevere in hope that you will pay off richly on every investment made into Your Kingdom. -Teresa #generosity #service #love #multiplication

Luke 19:11-27 (ESV)

The Parable of the Ten Minas

¹¹ As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately.¹² He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. ¹³ Calling ten of his servants,^[a] he gave them ten minas,^[b] and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ ¹⁴ But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ ¹⁵ When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. ¹⁶ The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ ¹⁷ And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant!^[c] Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ ¹⁸ And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’ ¹⁹ And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ ²⁰ Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; ²¹ for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’ ²² He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? ²³ Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’ ²⁴ And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’²⁵ And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’²⁶ ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. ²⁷ But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’”Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Luke 19:13 Or bondservants; also verse 15
2. Luke 19:13 A mina was about three months’ wages for a laborer
3. Luke 19:17 Or bondservant; also verse 22

Acts 2:1-4 ESV

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

[1] When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. [2] And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. [3] And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. [4] And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Although the Jordan River was overflowing its banks that time of year, God performed a miracle for Joshua.

Because the ark of the covenant was sacred and was carried correctly by the priests, God’s presence passed over an impossible obstacle before them. The ark with its mercy seat brought them safe passage. God’s glory showed up!

Even for us, God shows up in impossible ways. We are given a gift (John 1:12) when we trust Him to go ahead and provide our safe passage into “eternal life.” Not only can we receive His Son as Savior (John 17:3) but we can experience this new life while on earth (being part of His family).

From TheBibleHub, “The Apostle Paul also alludes to this in Romans 3:25 , where he writes, “God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.” Here, the term “atoning sacrifice” is often translated as “propitiation,” which directly connects to the concept of the Mercy Seat as the place where God’s wrath is appeased and mercy is granted.”

Someday, we will all cross over the proverbial “Jordan” to our eternal destination. Safe passage will be determined by faith in the ONE whose shoulders can buoy us through the turbulent waters. Those who remain behind will receive comfort from the Holy Spirit of promise. -Teresa #unityinChrist

Joshua 3:11-17 (ESV)

Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth^[b] is passing over before you into the Jordan. ¹² Now therefore take twelve men from the tribes of Israel, from each tribe a man. ¹³ And when the soles of the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from flowing, and the waters coming down from above shall stand in one heap.”

¹⁴ So when the people set out from their tents to pass over the Jordan with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, ¹⁵ and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), ¹⁶ the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho. ¹⁷ Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan.

John 1:12 (ESV)

[12] But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

John 17:3 (ESV)

3] And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

Philippians 2:1,2 ESV

Christ’s Example of Humility

[1] So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, [2] complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

This pair of ducks made us chuckle as they waddled together this morning. We could relate, as my husband and I celebrated my birthday with our dear family last night.

We like to hover over each other and be sure each family member is heard and cared for.

The Lord was aware of the difference between the siblings, Mary and Martha. He was also faithful to teach His disciples the qualities of being a good Father. Jesus, as God’s dearly loved Son, is part of the Trinity’s plan for the world.

How blessed are those who choose to sit at your feet, LORD. Those who hear your words and believe (aka, act on them).

Lord, please keep us from the temptation to be filled with anxiety. Help us to persistently “ask, seek and knock” so we may be filled with your Holy Spirit. -Teresa #peace

Luke 10:41-11:13 ESV

 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.”

The Lord’s Prayer

11 Now Jesus^[c] was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” ² And he said to them, “When you pray, say:

“Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
³ Give us each day our daily bread,^[d]
4 and forgive us our sins,
    for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation.”

⁵ And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, ⁶ for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; ⁷ and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? ⁸ I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence^[e] he will rise and give him whatever he needs. ⁹ And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ¹⁰ For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. ¹¹ What father among you, if his son asks for^[f] a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; ¹² or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? ¹³ If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Footnotes

1. Luke 10:38 Greek he
2. Luke 10:42 Some manuscripts few things are necessary, or only one
3. Luke 11:1 Greek he
4. Luke 11:3 Or our bread for tomorrow
5. Luke 11:8 Or persistence
6. Luke 11:11 Some manuscripts insert bread, will give him a stone; or if he asks for