My sister and I visited our home town for my class reunion this month. We really enjoyed the marsh-like environment, which brought back sweet memories. We savored the earthy smells, charming bird sounds and the breath-taking beauty of our growing up land.

I was searching for some answers while on vacation and a bright 16-year-old on the airplane ride home helped answer them. She wanted to share her research on Gen Alpha with me.

According to Wiki, “Generation Alpha is the first to be born entirely in the 21st century and the third millennium. The majority of Generation Alpha are the children of Millennials.^{[2][3][4][5][6]”}

A hard cover book lay open on her tray table that she had been reading. She told me about finding a sewing machine at the Thrift store which sparked her interest in making costumes for the theater. As a true advocate for younger children, she helped explain why taking away tablets and AI from pre-schoolers would help them get outside more, stay healthier and maybe even get dirty. She was very concerned about the weakening of physical strength as the youth became more dependent on electronics.

Of course, she was preaching to the choir as I smiled inwardly. The “answer” I had been seeking came in the form of her first statement to me: “this group at the back of the plane has a sense of community.” This realization emboldened her to share her research.

In this Psalm, King David was emboldened: he states that victory comes when we are safe from harm. Our cry for help is addressed by the Maker and Creator of our hearts. He knows what we need to be healthy and whole. He answers with love 💕. We have not been abandoned. He sees when our heart’s desire is for His kingdom come and His will to be done.

What community have you entered into? Where have you felt safe enough to share your heart? #Hehears

God’s victory over us comes in the form of His Son. I have found great refuge in knowing He is in me and all around me in the form of His Holy Spirit. -Teresa #shoutforjoy #cryout #desireHim #victory #answers #strengthfortoday #brighthopefortomorrow

Psalm 20: 1-5 (NLT)

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

¹ In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry.
    May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.
² May he send you help from his sanctuary
    and strengthen you from Jerusalem.^[a]
3 May he remember all your gifts
    and look favorably on your burnt offerings. Interlude

⁴ May he grant your heart’s desires
    and make all your plans succeed.
⁵ May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory
    and raise a victory banner in the name of our God.
May the Lord answer all your prayers.

Footnotes

1. 20:2 Hebrew Zion.

There is a song that states over and over “I am a friend of God” by Israel & New Breed. This passage explains how that can be.

Our wonderful new relationship with God begins with the person of Jesus Christ. He is also Lord because He is God’s Son, who was given a position of authority and equality with God.

Why would we be helpless? What happened to cripple us like that? Is it because of mankind’s rejection of everything good that God wanted us to embrace? #Hisimage

If Christ’s death can restore us to peace with God, will His life reconcile us as image bearers? #delivered

As God’s friend, you can have a wonderful new relationship, no longer enslaved to bitter thinking. #enemiesnomore

Do I want to be lord of my own destiny or am I willing to admit His Lordship over all creation, including my heart?- Teresa #Hosanna

Romans 5:6-11 (NLT)

⁶ When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. ⁷ Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. ⁸ But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. ⁹ And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation.¹⁰ For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. ¹¹ So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

Flying back to my high school class reunion, I was struck by the beauty of the clouds. I placed so much trust in mechanics and technology (not to mention my fellow humans), that my sense of wonder was freed up.

Faith is God’s way of making us right with Him and it’s called the “good news” or the gospel. The central figure in the gospel is Christ Jesus the LORD.

God’s power is released through this good news when we believe. Too often we rely on others to help us feel good. The problem with that is, no one qualifies as Savior, except Him.

Through faith, a righteous person crosses over from death to life. Eternal life is described as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. (John 17:3)

Have you freed up your sense of wonder? Try believing God’s provision to have a right relationship with Him. #knowHim

Full of wonder, I am captivated by the beauty of His Son. He represents the bridegroom, loving the bride through selfless devotion. #HISchurch

Lord, we honor you above all, trusting your provision for sin. -Teresa

Romans 1:16-17 (NLT)

¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.^[g] 17 This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”^[h]Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. 1:4a Or and was designated.
2. 1:4b Or by the Spirit of holiness; or in the new realm of the Spirit.
3. 1:5 Or the grace.
4. 1:9 Or in my spirit.
5. 1:13 Greek brothers.
6. 1:14 Greek to Greeks and barbarians.
7. 1:16 Greek also the Greek.
8. 1:17 Or “The righteous will live by faith.” Hab 2:4.

Judah was the son of Jacob (Israel) whose lineage bore the Messiah (Jesus, son of David).

How extreme was it that Judah had both a son so wicked that God found it necessary to kill him, and another son who would be so promising that the Savior would be born from his lineage?

Both Joseph and Mary’s descendants are established as being from David. Joseph’s through Solomon and Mary’s through Nathan (who were both King David’s sons).

We cannot choose when we are born or to whom, but we can live our lives for God’s purpose (vs. for the wickedness of the world, the flesh or the devil).

Our struggles may be the result of genetic or environmental influences or simply due to our own poor choices. #Adam

The difference between a barren or fruitful life may be the conscious decision to act in favor of God’s will. How will we know God’s will and purpose unless we read His Word, The Bible?

If things seem barren, perhaps taking a moment to re-evaluate your own choices will be the step needed to begin bearing fruit. (Even much fruit…and fruit that will last, which comes from abiding in Christ)

Lord, may my life be promising because I trust You. In the past few months, I’ve had to commit a difficult situation over and over to God. In so doing, I’ve chosen to speak these words, “I believe”, aloud.

In Phillipians 4:19, Paul assures the believers that his God will meet all their needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Keep giving your gifts for His purposes, He will faithfully produce the fruit. -Teresa #Hiskingdomcome

I Chronicles 2:1-5, 9-15 (NLT)

2 The sons of Israel^[v] were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, ² Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

Descendants of Judah

³ Judah had three sons from Bathshua, a Canaanite woman. Their names were Er, Onan, and Shelah. But the Lord saw that the oldest son, Er, was a wicked man, so he killed him.⁴ Later Judah had twin sons from Tamar, his widowed daughter-in-law. Their names were Perez and Zerah. So Judah had five sons in all.

5 The sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul.

^….9 The sons of Hezron were Jerahmeel, Ram, and Caleb.^[z]

¹⁰ Ram was the father of Amminadab.
Amminadab was the father of Nahshon, a leader of Judah.
¹¹ Nahshon was the father of Salmon.^[aa]
Salmon was the father of Boaz.
¹² Boaz was the father of Obed.
Obed was the father of Jesse.

¹³ Jesse’s first son was Eliab, his second was Abinadab, his third was Shimea, ¹⁴ his fourth was Nethanel, his fifth was Raddai, ¹⁵ his sixth was Ozem, and his seventh was David.

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)

I have to admit that the long hours of sunlight have been refreshing. This picture was taken a few months ago so we experienced the sunrise on that particular Saturday morning.

When David’s “gorgeous” son, Absalom, conspired against his father, the people were won over by his good looks, thick hair and welcoming personality.

David was king but willingly left the city of Jerusalem to seek refuge and avoid bloodshed.

There are good looks and then there are wise counselors. Although Absalom convinced Ahithophel (David’s most trusted advisor) to join his conspiracy, God had other plans for Absalom.

Hushai, David’s friend, was urged by the king to go to Absalom and defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. David’s prayer on the Mount of Olives was answered (that Ahithophel’s counsel would be turned to foolishness).

Certainly there are times in our lives when wise counsel is imperative for success. Even wise counselors, however, can be misled by selfish ambition or pure revenge. (One Bible dictionary recorded Ahithophel as being the grandfather of Bathsheba).

We may never know why Ahithophel deserted David to follow a foolish boy but God’s plan was not for David to lose the throne. Instead, Absalom lost his life in a low hanging tree (because of his thick hair).

Hushai indeed gave the counsel that Absalom followed leading to David’s victory, including heartbreak for his son.

Godly parents cannot ensure whether their children will be wise or foolish but they will always have a desire for their children’s lives to be one with God’s heart.

I couldn’t help but see the similarities between King David and Jesus, son of David, both praying on the Mount of Olives before their suffering.

Both of their prayers were answered. David’s prayer that Ahithophel’s advice would be turned to foolishness and Jesus’ prayer that not his will but God the Father’s will be done.

Lord, may we always cast our cares upon you for you will sustain us- you will never let the righteous fall. (based on Psalm 55:22)

Never stop casting, do not let heavy burdens bury you. -Teresa #sustainedby #CreatorGod #salvationby #Jesus #SonofDavid #havemercyonme

2 Samuel 17:14 (ESV)

¹⁴ And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For the Lordhad ordained^[d] to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the Lord might bring harm upon Absalom.

I really love the wildflowers that appear each spring on our side yard.

In this passage (below), Jesus was full of surprises as He addressed each of His disciples.

For Peter, not only was his weak flesh revealed but the Lord’s comfort towards him re: a future home in heaven, with Christ.

For Thomas, his need for cold, hard facts led to Christ’s startling claim to be the way, the truth and the life.

For Philip, who missed the boat entirely about who Jesus was (God’s Son) or more likely missed the understanding of how the Holy Trinity worked as 3-in-1, was given a disappointing scolding. One God (being) explained by Nabeel Qureshi (watch at 5:16), “three in person” -who was about to deliver His Holy Spirit.

All three of Jesus’ disciples were in for a surprise. Not only was the appearance of Jesus a miracle for the world (being God’s Son in human form), but He was God’s divine plan for humanity’s salvation. #propitiation

Jesus’ death, resurrection and authority over mankind’s eternal destiny was revealed in this passage.

The works of Jesus were unmatched by any other, especially in bringing Lazarus back to life (even after his sister’s mourned and his flesh had decomposed).

Bringing us from death to life is God’s plan. No longer will we be slaves to sin and death but made alive to God through faith in the risen Lord. #eternalife

Father, may we have eyes of faith today, surprised by your joy for us! – Teresa #CSLewis

John 13:36-14:11 (ESV)

³⁶ Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” ³⁷ Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” ³⁸ Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.

I Am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life

14 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;^[a] believe also in me. ² In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?^[b]3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. ⁴ And you know the way to where I am going.”^[c] 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” ⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.^[d] From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

⁸ Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” ⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ¹⁰ Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.¹¹ Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.

Last month, we attended a sunrise service on Easter, with our church. It was beautiful and memorable. When the sun rose, new hope warmed our souls.

When the Son of God (Jesus) arose from the grave, the world was given love with the hope of new life. This new life looked much different than the disciples had ever anticipated as they started the first church. #ActsoftheApostles

In this passage, David (who was anointed as king to replace the house of Saul) was filled with grief. He was forced to live apart from the community of Israel during this period of Saul’s insanity.

Anointed king (yet not yet ruling king), David lived in the wilderness like a renegade, yet true to God’s call. Jonathon was in no way envious of David but loved him as dearly as a brother.

Who has supported the calling of God on your life? Honor the one who has had no envy (or desire to be “over” you) but has spoken the words of truth and encouragement to your soul.

Keep God’s word between you and such a brother or sister. Who knows how future generations will be blessed by such bonds. #truelove #lastingfruit

-Teresa

I Samuel 20: 38-42 (ESV)

³⁸ And Jonathan called after the boy, “Hurry! Be quick! Do not stay!” So Jonathan’s boy gathered up the arrows and came to his master. ³⁹ But the boy knew nothing. Only Jonathan and David knew the matter. ⁴⁰ And Jonathan gave his weapons to his boy and said to him, “Go and carry them to the city.” ⁴¹ And as soon as the boy had gone, David rose from beside the stone heap^[f] and fell on his face to the ground and bowed three times. And they kissed one another and wept with one another, David weeping the most. ⁴² Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” And he rose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city.^[g]