Yes, my coach took me out for our first bike ride of the season. It was a gorgeous spring day and we rode about 10.5 miles.

My husband has been an avid cyclist for about 14 years now. He got in shape by joining up with “group rides” in our community. (Definitely, not for the faint of heart!) He conquered the notorious Death Ride two times, the rugged Davis Double Century and the daunting Mt. Shasta Super Century. He even enjoyed the Glacier National Park ride called “Going to the Sun”, sponsored by Hammer Nutrition.

When I say he’s my coach, he really has taught (and is still guiding) me in everything I need to know about riding the beautiful rural roads in our area. There is not only the technical aspects of the bike and what kit/glasses to wear. Much of the challenge is hydration, shot bloks for electrolytes and protein bars for sustenance (which is mostly for the summer heat since I don’t ordinarily log more than 20 miles a ride).

This passage is encouraging when we read the detailed instructions and exhortation of Moses to the leaders of their community, “Be of good courage”.

Their assessment of the land was accurate from a human standpoint. It was an abundantly fruitful country with well-equipped warriors. What most of them failed to report was what God’s perspective was of their ability to conquer the land.

Caleb, from the tribe of Judah, was courageous enough to speak the truth of what he saw. Although no one else spoke up for God’s purpose involving this land, he boldly took the stand. Joshua (Moses’s representative) also supported his report.

Putting on this belt of truth with our “spiritual” armor from God is always the first step.

The word of God brings us truth. It is a steady foundation that does not waver amidst slick words or slippery motives. The Bible is foundational to our understanding of God’s character. Jesus Christ the Lord is also called “the word”, who was since the beginning of creation. (See the Gospel of John, chapter 1)

We cannot handle the heavy breastplate of God’s righteousness without the truth girding us with an ability to not just advance but to run, unhindered. (See Ephesians 6:14)

The difference between a good and a bad report involves our faith in God’s word. May we have discernment to know the truth and the courage to act upon it in faith.

God sends us great leaders (and coaches) to guide and equip, but ultimately we have to take on the responsibility to know when to courageously move forward and when to stay safe in the boundaries that God provides. -Teresa #trustHim #speakthetruthinlove

Numbers 13: 1-33 (ESV)*

Spies Sent into Canaan

13 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ² “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel. From each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a chief among them.” ³ So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran, according to the command of the Lord, all of them men who were heads of the people of Israel.⁴ And these were their names: From the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur; ⁵ from the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori; ⁶ from the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh; ⁷ from the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph; ⁸ from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun; ⁹ from the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu;¹⁰ from the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi; ¹¹ from the tribe of Joseph (that is, from the tribe of Manasseh), Gaddi the son of Susi; ¹² from the tribe of Dan, Ammiel the son of Gemalli; ¹³ from the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael;¹⁴ from the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi; ¹⁵ from the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi. ¹⁶ These were the names of the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Hoshea the son of Nun Joshua.

¹⁷ Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan and said to them, “Go up into the Negeb and go up into the hill country, ¹⁸ and see what the land is, and whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, whether they are few or many, ¹⁹ and whether the land that they dwell in is good or bad, and whether the cities that they dwell in are camps or strongholds, ²⁰ and whether the land is rich or poor, and whether there are trees in it or not. Be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes.

²¹ So they went up and spied out the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, near Lebo-hamath.²² They went up into the Negeb and came to Hebron. Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, were there. (Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) ²³ And they came to the Valley of Eshcol and cut down from there a branch with a single cluster of grapes, and they carried it on a pole between two of them; they also brought some pomegranates and figs. ²⁴ That place was called the Valley of Eshcol,^[f] because of the cluster that the people of Israel cut down from there.

Report of the Spies

²⁵ At the end of forty days they returned from spying out the land. ²⁶ And they came to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the people of Israel in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh. They brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. ²⁷ And they told him, “We came to the land to which you sent us. It flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. ²⁸ However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. And besides, we saw the descendants of Anak there. ²⁹ The Amalekites dwell in the land of the Negeb. The Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the hill country. And the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and along the Jordan.”

³⁰ But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” ³¹ Then the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.” ³² So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height.³³ And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.”

*OneyearBibleonline

I love this passage, Psalm 45.

It was verses 10 and 11 that God impressed on my heart when I was just 15 years old. I was questioning my worth. His word was living and active that day and I was ready to receive it.

I remember I was sitting near the Grand Canyon and tangibly felt His presence.

Leaving the rigid values of my father’s house behind, I chose to believe God’s truth that I was not just worthwhile but desirable enough to be part of His bride. (See Revelation 19: 7,8)*

I told God right then that because He was the first one to truly “see” me, I would be a witness for Him to the hardest place on earth.

After going to North Africa for a year (in our late 20’s), God’s presence assured me on the flight home that we had not disappointed Him. It was NOW that He was bringing us back to the hardest mission field on earth (America).

Some things you just take by faith (when it does not seem possible). Now, I see that this is true. How far we have strayed from God as a nation: trusting wealth, status, knowledge and other man-made “gods”.

The last verse in the reading today (Proverbs 10:22) also stood out to me this morning.

God’s blessing is on those who trust Him. In fact, He makes us “rich”, without entering the realm of greed. (Blessed in the NT is different than the OT, where it literally was a physical abundance).

After quitting my part-time gig yesterday, I struggle with feeling “less than”.

Again, I have to go back to my 15 year old discovery. It’s not what I had accomplished or become that made me desirable to God but that I was seeking Him. How stupendous that I chose to believe the truth of His word about myself.

Lord, may we always have the faith of a child. You are God and work above and beyond what we can ask for or imagine. Please do that for each of us I pray. Help us to trust your Word and be your people with true riches- a richness of heart that comes from knowing your truthful love, personally.

Your daughter -Teresa

*Walvoord and Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary. 1989, p. 828

Psalm 45English Standard Version***

Your Throne, O God, Is Forever

To the choirmaster: according to Lilies. A Maskil^[a] of the Sons of Korah; a love song.

45 My heart overflows with a pleasing theme;
    I address my verses to the king;
    my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.

² You are the most handsome of the sons of men;
    grace is poured upon your lips;
    therefore God has blessed you forever.
³ Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one,
    in your splendor and majesty!

⁴ In your majesty ride out victoriously
    for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness;
    let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!
⁵ Your arrows are sharp
    in the heart of the king’s enemies;
    the peoples fall under you.

⁶ Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
    The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;
⁷     you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you
    with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;
⁸     your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia.
From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;
⁹     daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor;
    at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.

¹⁰ Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear:
    forget your people and your father’s house,
¹¹     and the king will desire your beauty.
Since he is your lord, bow to him.
¹²     The people^[b] of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts,
    the richest of the people.^[c]

¹³ All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold.
¹⁴     In many-colored robes she is led to the king,
    with her virgin companions following behind her.
¹⁵ With joy and gladness they are led along
    as they enter the palace of the king.

¹⁶ In place of your fathers shall be your sons;
    you will make them princes in all the earth.
¹⁷ I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations;
    therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Psalm 45:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term
2. Psalm 45:12 Hebrew daughter
3. Psalm 45:12 Or The daughter of Tyre is here with gifts, the richest of people seek your favor

Psalm 44Psalm 46

Proverbs 10:22English Standard Version

²² The blessing of the Lord makes rich,
    and he adds no sorrow with it.^[a]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Proverbs 10:22 Or and toil adds nothing to it

Proverbs 10:22 in all English translations

***OneyearBibleonline

When our grandkids made us Valentines this month and our oldest granddaughter thought of her own poem, I was overjoyed by the meaning of pure hearts.

Of course the religious leaders of the day were very concerned with handwashing and not spreading “uncleanliness”. On the other hand, Jesus was more concerned with the results of a different kind of uncleanness. it was called the inside of the vessel, or their hearts.

For those who have asked the Son of God to be the Lord of their life, He provides for the healing of our wounded hearts. Although sin would like to hold us captive, we have a choice. It can be to follow the “broad way” that leads to destruction or the “narrow way” that leads to life eternal.

Certainly, becoming a Christian (or Christ follower) does not mean you will be exempt from suffering. In fact, He tells us that it’s part of our calling to take up our cross daily and follow Him.

Being free from the deceitfulness of sin helps us to shine with authenticity as we walk that path. In the face of suffering, many have overcome bitterness and worse.

Lord, we give you glory for the beauty of your obedience to the Father, in offering us healing and life eternal. May our hearts be truly found in You, whole and yielding the fruit of your Holy Spirit.-Teresa

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Mark 7: 14-23 (ESV)**

What Defiles a Person

¹⁴ And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand:¹⁵ There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.”^[e] 17 And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. ¹⁸ And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him,¹⁹ since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?”^[f] (Thus he declared all foods clean.)²⁰ And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. ²¹ For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, ²² coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.²³ All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”Read full chapter

…see also Jesus’ quote from Isaiah (29:13) in Mark 7:6b,7

“‘This people honors me with their lips,
    but their heart is far from me;
⁷ in vain do they worship me,
    teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’

Footnotes

1. Mark 7:3 Greek unless they wash the hands with a fist, probably indicating a kind of ceremonial washing
2. Mark 7:4 Greek unless they baptize; some manuscripts unless they purify themselves
3. Mark 7:4 Some manuscripts omit and dining couches
4. Mark 7:11 Or an offering
5. Mark 7:15 Some manuscripts add verse 16: If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear
6. Mark 7:19 Greek goes out into the latrine

**http://oneyearbibleonline.com/daily-oyb/?version=47&startmmdd=0101

I think the color of this camellia flower is exquisite. Maybe even beautiful enough for a wedding. My husband and I planted it to commemorate our marriage, representing the love that has gone into building our family. For those parents out there, you have to agree that being a parent is not for the faint of heart. It takes an overwhelming amount of love toward each other and for the children and the grandchildren.

This passage reminds me of Jesus’ words discussing the purpose and timing of a fast. Fasting was not to outdo another Rabbi’s spiritual discipline (i.e. John the Baptist or the Pharisees). Instead, it was meant to be a reflection of our longing for the Savior (referred to as “the bridegroom” in the passage).

When Jesus walked beside the disciples, he didn’t require them to fast. However, when he ascended back into heaven, the disciples fasted. We also at times may fast in order to focus on the One who matters more than satisfying our temporal needs.

He is eternal. He satisfies our need for a new and living way. When love is not found in our own heart. His love can fill us and make us new (like new wineskins).

Without a new wine skin, we are in danger of splitting at the seams, not useful to His kingdom but leaking one-line platitudes.

This verse from the KJV comes to mind: (Romans 5:5) “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

If the bridegroom did not leave, the Holy Spirit would not have come.

Thank you, LORD, for your tremendous gift. Your Son’s life, your love for the world and the comfort of the Holy Spirit to encourage us on our way as we hope in you. -Teresa

Mark 2: 18-22 (ESV)*

A Question About Fasting

¹⁸ Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. And people came and said to him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” ¹⁹ And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. ²⁰ The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day. ²¹ No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made.²² And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins—and the wine is destroyed, and so are the skins. But new wine is for fresh wineskins.”^[c]

*OneyearBibleonline

Wisdom was present when God created mankind. Not only did wisdom provide the master craftsmanship needed for this world, but it provided the emotion necessary for having families. This emotional ability allows us to experience the delight of children. #rejoicing

Pictured above is our two oldest children (30+ years ago). They experienced all the moving around we required to get settled in our careers. We went from Sacramento to Europe and North Africa for a year, landing back in Iowa. We eventually came full circle to Chico, before moving home again to the Sacramento area.

When we keep the ways of wisdom, we are constantly learning and growing- never static. It could mean we travel “full-circle” to learn something we fully resisted at the start.

Having a family has a way of bringing maturity to young adults. It helps us realize that not all “work” is drudgery but a means to providing for our family. Seeing the joy and excitement of children well-cared for is surely reward enough to keep punching that time clock. (Vs. carried away by fanciful dreams of “self-fulfillment” that don’t pay the bills)

When some moms looked at me with four children during my “stay at home mom” days, they would ask: “don’t you feel like you’ve lost your identity?” Or “don’t you just have to get out of the house? …I go to work in order to take a break.”

Instead, I would answer with, “it may be the hardest job I’ve done (being 24/7 on call), but I feel honored to share my identity with four others.” In other words, I never felt I was shrinking but expanding.

Wisdom helps us move forward with the right perspective even when we need to dig deep for courage to learn and grow.

After reading an informative article on Linked In by Fast company.com, I understood better the difficult financial climate our young people face today. Many have had to decide whether to include having a family to their future plans. My question (after reading it) was, have financial times changed that much or have values changed (needing all the bells and whistles before considering a family)?

Wisdom reminds us of God’s heart to be fruitful, multiply and fill the earth. For those who have infertility issues or physical barriers, there are many children who need to be cared for who are without parents or resources. The joy of being part of an “inhabited” world is true wisdom. -Teresa

Proverbs 8:27-32English Standard Version*

²⁷ When he established the heavens, I was there;
    when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,
²⁸ when he made firm the skies above,
    when he established^[a] the fountains of the deep,
²⁹ when he assigned to the sea its limit,
    so that the waters might not transgress his command,
when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
³⁰     then I was beside him, like a master workman,
and I was daily his^[b] delight,
    rejoicing before him always,
³¹ rejoicing in his inhabited world
    and delighting in the children of man.

³² “And now, O sons, listen to me:
    blessed are those who keep my ways.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Proverbs 8:28 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain
2. Proverbs 8:30 Or daily filled with

*OneyearBibleonline

My mom, Ruth, named me after her landlord. Teresa was a gracious, Italian woman who rented the upstairs apartment to my parents. I was baby #3 (of 5), for my mom and dad.

A name can be be a source of inspiration. For my mom, “Ruth” was a reminder that she had been delivered from Moab to follow the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. She chose to leave her family of origin and move to a new place, the place of redemption (see the story of Ruth and Naomi, redeemed by Boaz, aka Jesus Christ the Lord).

For me, “Teresa” was a reminder to dwell in the grace of God. This meant at times plowing up the fallow ground, at other times planting the seed of God’s word but always trusting God for an increase. I’ve been inspired by my name to remain faithful “in Christ”, in order to be fruitful for the Kingdom of Heaven.

This passage (below) provides a tremendous leadership principle. Jethro advises Moses to continue being faithful to God’s calling (speaking God’s word to the people). He also gives a practical solution to handle the demand of leading millions of people (choose those who fear God and hate a bribe to be over the people as chiefs or spokesmen).

The comfort and help that Moses received from his father-in-law’s visit included being reunited with his wife and children. He named his children, Gershom and Eliezer. Just saying their names reminded him of all that God had done for him.

God always gets the victory when we acknowledge His hand of deliverance and help. Moses emphasized this truth by trusting the God of his “father” (a Hebrew slave who was also a priest for Yahweh) and escaping the hand of Pharoah (whose house he was raised in, but who had raised a sword against Moses).

Lord, thank you for your tremendous victory in the places where it looked like all was lost. Help us to trust you courageously as Moses did, not dismissing those who are older than us but embracing their wisdom.- Teresa

Exodus 18:1-27 (ESV)

Jethro’s Advice

18 Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel his people, how the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt. ² Now Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, had taken Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her home, ³ along with her two sons. The name of the one was Gershom (for he said, “I have been a sojourner^[b] in a foreign land”), ⁴ and the name of the other, Eliezer^[c] (for he said, “The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh”). ⁵ Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness where he was encamped at the mountain of God. ⁶ And when he sent word to Moses, “I,^[d] your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her,”⁷ Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. And they asked each other of their welfare and went into the tent. ⁸ Then Moses told his father-in-law all that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had come upon them in the way, and how the Lord had delivered them.⁹ And Jethro rejoiced for all the good that the Lordhad done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians.

¹⁰ Jethro said, “Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh and has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.¹¹ Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods, because in this affair they dealt arrogantly with the people.”^{[e] 12} And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God; and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God.

¹³ The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. ¹⁴ When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?” ¹⁵ And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God; ¹⁶ when they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide between one person and another, and I make them know the statutes of God and his laws.” ¹⁷ Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. ¹⁸ You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. ¹⁹ Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, ²⁰ and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do.²¹ Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. ²² And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. ²³ If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.”

²⁴ So Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. ²⁵ Moses chose able men out of all Israel and made them heads over the people, chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. ²⁶ And they judged the people at all times. Any hard case they brought to Moses, but any small matter they decided themselves. ²⁷ Then Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went away to his own country.

*TheOneyearBible

Mistreatment of children is a grave sin, punishable by drowning or worse. Despising new believers does not go unnoticed but is shared with the Father, by their angels.

Jesus, our shepherd, will search for that one who was mistreated as a child or despised as a new believer, knowing how deep the scars can go when formative self-image pictures are being developed incorrectly. He understands the feeling from “group rejection”, when trying to become part of a religious entity that is based on rules, not love. Both are devastating. Both require a Savior’s transformation of the heart, healing based on His truth.

When the “lost sheep” understands and believes he/she is cherished, cared for as precious and loved with generosity and kindness, they will truly be “found”.

Repentance means turning around 180 degrees, or walking exactly in the opposite direction you were headed. Repentance sometimes means forgiving those who mistreated us as children or forgiving ourselves for believing what those who despised us said, turning back to the truth of God’s word.

The shepherd rejoices over the “lost sheep” being found, not just a bit but even more than he rejoices over the 99 who never strayed from the truth. (100 fold)

How do I capture the urgency of our Savior’s desire “to seek and to save the lost”?

He is honed in, he is diligent, he was able to endure the beatings, humiliation and scorn. He was able to take up the cross. He despised the shame. He was obedient to death, even death on a cross.

Why? So that we should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

Entering the kingdom of heaven with childlike faith means we are not depending on our status, education, title or good looks. It means we are depending on the One who saved us once and for all with His obedient sacrifice as the sinless, Son of God who took the penalty for the sin of the world and provided us with His righteousness.

I listened to an amazing audible book called, “Finding Tess” by Beth Macy. Those who ensnare young people into addictive substances have overrun certain parts of our country.

Although we may not be able to take on the opioid crisis single-handedly, we can be aware of what is happening and take steps towards sharing God’s love in our own family and neighborhood communities.- Teresa #providingsafealternatives #volunteer

Matthew 18:1-6 (ESV), 10-14 (ESV)*

Who Is the Greatest?

18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” ² And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them ³ and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

⁵ “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, ⁶ but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin,^[a] it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

¹⁰ “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.^{[d] 12} What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? ¹³ And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.¹⁴ So it is not the will of my^[e] Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

*OneyearBibleonline http://oneyearbibleonline.com/daily-oyb/?version=47&startmmdd=0101

There are times in life, when the only thing that helps is a simple cry to someone who can help. When I say “simple cry” -I mean there is no energy for a complex explanation, no words for the emotions that overcome all thought processes. Just plain, “Help me, Lord”, asked or pleaded in faith.

Who can help us the most or who is the best at sorting this out or should I say the most effective in providing a solution? The Lord God Almighty is not only our strong warrior who stands His ground on our behalf but is also our great deliverer.

That means He is able to handle this daunting task that is too hard for everyone else, even myself. I can’t figure myself out at times. The spaghetti is too complex to unravel. For those who are blessed with a waffle mentality, you may not understand this conundrum.

The good news is that there is someone who is able to “Get it Done”!

Yes, that means starting with the peace that comes to stand guard over us like a night watchman and even encouragement from those with this gifting of the Holy Spirit,

Ending with a solution that is much greater than we could ask for or imagine, we have been delivered. Delivered from the sinking sand of despair and given strength for a new day.

Apart from or maybe even in the midst of a medical emergency, we can cry out for help, like David did in this passage and be assured of God’s effectiveness in fighting our battles.-Teresa #greatGod #Hehears #Hedelivers #askHim

Psalm 18:1-15English Standard Version*

The Lord Is My Rock and My Fortress

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, the servant of the Lord, who addressed the words of this song to the Lord on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. He said:

18 I love you, O Lord, my strength.
² The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
³ I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.

⁴ The cords of death encompassed me;
the torrents of destruction assailed me;^[a]
5 the cords of Sheol entangled me;
the snares of death confronted me.

⁶ In my distress I called upon the Lord;
to my God I cried for help.
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry to him reached his ears.

⁷ Then the earth reeled and rocked;
the foundations also of the mountains trembled
and quaked, because he was angry.
⁸ Smoke went up from his nostrils,^[b]
and devouring fire from his mouth;
glowing coals flamed forth from him.
⁹ He bowed the heavens and came down;
thick darkness was under his feet.
¹⁰ He rode on a cherub and flew;
he came swiftly on the wings of the wind.
¹¹ He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him,
thick clouds dark with water.
¹² Out of the brightness before him
hailstones and coals of fire broke through his clouds.

¹³ The Lord also thundered in the heavens,
and the Most High uttered his voice,
hailstones and coals of fire.
¹⁴ And he sent out his arrows and scattered them;
he flashed forth lightnings and routed them.
¹⁵ Then the channels of the sea were seen,
and the foundations of the world were laid bare
at your rebuke, O Lord,
at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Psalm 18:4 Or terrified me
2. Psalm 18:8 Or in his wrath

*TheOneyearBibleonline http://oneyearbibleonline.com/daily-oyb/?version=47&startmmdd=0101

Yesterday, we had our second monthly school nurse presentation at “home school”. I was amazed at Kelsa’s beautiful rendition of the winter cardinal using her painted hands.

We had a presentation on how to stay safe in the cold and basic first aid. I’m not sure who loved it more, the 3 grandkids or their “gwamma”!!

In this passage, Jacob’s story warmed my heart. He was sent from his mother’s side (after deceiving his father, stealing his brother’s birthright inheritance and being threatened with murder). He would never again see his mom. In the tough yet tender way that God works upstream, Jacob was assured of his part in God’s plan, and more importantly, in His family.

When Jacob could not imagine where his provision would come from, he trusted and promised to give back a tenth should he return home in peace. Jacob’s desire was no longer to swindle but to be a part of his family.

Sure enough, after at least 14 years of hard work, Jacob returned home with a new name (character), as “Israel” with his twelve sons. He gave so many gifts to his brother, Esau, that it seems he more than fulfilled his pledge to God and found peace again amongst his family of origin.

Sometimes, we become more generous when we are forgiven much. God saw upstream, that Jacob would have a heart of repentance and used it to bless the world. Certainly, we can’t pay enough for the consequences of sin (only Jesus Christ the Lord is able to handle that debt).

However, when others are involved with our need for spiritual encouragement, it seems fitting to give back to God.

In this New Year, may we see those things that are needed most and give wholeheartedly. – Teresa

Genesis 28:10-22 (ESV)*

Jacob’s Dream

¹⁰ Jacob left Beersheba and went toward Haran.¹¹ And he came to a certain place and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep. ¹² And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder^[b] set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! ¹³ And behold, the Lord stood above it^[c] and said, “I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. ¹⁴ Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. ¹⁵ Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” ¹⁶ Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” ¹⁷ And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”

¹⁸ So early in the morning Jacob took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. ¹⁹ He called the name of that place Bethel,^[d] but the name of the city was Luz at the first. ²⁰ Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, ²¹ so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, ²² and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”

*OneyearBibleonline http://oneyearbibleonline.com/daily-oyb/?version=47&startmmdd=0101

Our daughter’s dog, Piper, is amazing. Not only did she survive a rough start (she was a rescue), but she loves her new owner with gusto!

I asked Carly how she did it. How did she rehabilitate a fearful dog? Carly said that she was so enamored with having her own dog that she just stared into her eyes for hours when they first met. Also, since she worked from home during the pandemic, they spent all their time together.

On the other hand, I was so nervous of little dog teeth biting my ankles that I purchased “gators” and put them on my legs whenever she came over.

Well, it also worked. I was not nervous walking around in my own home. Piper eventually lost the desire to attack my ankles and would sniff in curiosity at the gators! Eventually, her desire for “treats” was greater than her need to establish a territory.

This passage reminds us that turning to our own devices or being complacent (not trying to move past old hurts), will eventually lead to destructive habits. #fearful

Choosing to fear (have reverence) for God’s word, however, makes us dwell secure. We can be at ease, free of the dread that comes from disaster.

We watched “Society of the Snow” last night, based on the 2023 book (also notably retold in the 1974 book “Alive). These survivors had tremendous hope as they called out to God. Some of this was established during their early years of training in their faith heritage. But most of it was in the support they provided each other with their courage and self-sacrifice. The crux of this hope was revealed in a note written by their rugby mate saying, “greater love has no man than to lay down his life for a friend.”

Turning toward wisdom, we can be at ease, (rehabilitated so to speak). It may take time spent in God’s word and with wise teaching/counsel. Most of all, it is established through relationships that reflect God’s heart of wisdom.- Teresa #love❤️

Proverbs 1:29-33English Standard Version*

²⁹ Because they hated knowledge
and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
³⁰ would have none of my counsel
and despised all my reproof,
³¹ therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way,
and have their fill of their own devices.
³² For the simple are killed by their turning away,
and the complacency of fools destroys them;
³³ but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

*OnryearBibleonline http://oneyearbibleonline.com/daily-oyb/?version=47&startmmdd=0101