This picture was taken a few years ago on the week of my birthday. For some reason, I usually equate a nature get-away with a great way to celebrate. It serves as a way to break up and scatter my responsibilities or a way to lighten some of the burdens of life.

This year, I felt inspired to gather my family around. We didn’t go anywhere for our “get-away” but gathered near to those loved ones whom God has blessed us with.

In this passage, some wanted to test Jesus, looking for a sign from heaven for their own “profit”. In turn, Jesus taught them to examine their motives. Rather than play into their human logic, He was able to teach them a heavenly truth.

Those who gather with Him are for His coming kingdom (stronger than the mightiest status quo). Wow! If we could comprehend what the Kingdom of God will do, then no longer would we be playing “chess” with our Creator and Redeemer.

It is by grace you have been saved through faith… (Ephesians 2:8.9). How can we not be amazed at God’s great power through His gift to the world through His Son.

I was startled to see a post about a Netflix series called “Adolescence”. It was shocking to examine the use of emojis to change cultural word meanings in order to convey debased thinking. What a trick of Satan to snag the minds of our nation’s bright future.

Those who gather their loved ones are less at risk. The only sure outcome for navigating a life path full of proverbial traps is choosing the narrow way. This starts by trusting Jesus as Savior and LORD.

Gathering with Him, is a gift that keeps on giving. He rescues us daily, hourly, minute by minute as we turn to Him. Being in a right relationship means we are no longer alone. – Teresa #mercy #love #acceptance

Luke11:14-24 (ESV)

Jesus and Beelzebul

¹⁴ Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled. ¹⁵ But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” ¹⁶ while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. ¹⁷ But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.¹⁸ And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. ¹⁹ And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. ²⁰ But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. ²¹ When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; ²² but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil.²³ Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

Just as these beautiful birds were all lined up, plumped under their feathers and soaking up the sun, even so we can be an authentic voice but not everyone may see us as that or even hear the true message spoken.

Jesus not only spoke the message of God’s deliverance but gave a visual aid when the man was delivered from a legion of demons. Those from the surrounding country came out and witnessed the miracle.

Instead of accepting Jesus for who He was (Son of the Most High God), the people cast him away by asking Him to leave. Why? Because they were filled with great fear.

Are we more fearful of a legion of demons or of the power of God to deliver us?

Truly, God is able to deliver us from the curse of sin through His Son, Christ Jesus the Lord.

The man who was delivered yearned to stay close to Jesus but Jesus sent him away, for a greater purpose. He was the messenger that the people could listen to and understand. For this powerful display was from a good God. The delivered man declared how much Jesus had done for him, throughout the city.

When we are sent away, it may not be easy. In fact, it may be downright lonely. However, the messenger sent to this hometown city may be you. Are you willing to declare how much God has done for you? -Teresa

Luke 8:33-39 (ESV)

³³ Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned.

³⁴ When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country.³⁵ Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. ³⁶ And those who had seen it told them how the demon-possessed^[c] man had been healed. ³⁷ Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. ³⁸ The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying,³⁹ “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Luke 8:26 Some manuscripts Gadarenes; others Gergesenes; also verse 37
2. Luke 8:27 Greek he; also verses 38, 42
3. Luke 8:36 Greek daimonizomai (demonized); elsewhere rendered oppressed by demons

P.S. it’s my 13th year anniversary on WordPress!!

Dear Lord, please help me to speak the message of your goodness for many more years. -Teresa

By taking care of the earth and watering it, God abounds in goodness for mankind.

This collage of pictures includes several points of beauty that I witnessed this past week.

Whether it’s my potted orchid plant, my grandson next to the creek or my husband and I enjoying our hike- everything seems to radiate with this joy of provision and bountiful harvest.

Rich provision comes when the soil is softened by the rain. The rain melts the clods, levels the ridges and allows the bounty of growth.

With my heart (when it becomes hardened), I recognize not wanting endless rain melting me. It may involve messy tears, uncomfortable anxiety, endless time alone in the wilderness with God.

Afterwards, however, I’m always grateful for the Father’s rich provision. #Hiswayisbest

The reality of abundant crops multiplying for His kingdom makes me want to shout and sing for joy.

God is in the business of blessing the world with abundance. But, are we willing to be part of His plan? -Teresa #losingmyselftogainHim #treasure

Psalm 65:9-13 (NLT)

⁹ You take care of the earth and water it,
    making it rich and fertile.
The river of God has plenty of water;
    it provides a bountiful harvest of grain,
    for you have ordered it so.
¹⁰ You drench the plowed ground with rain,
    melting the clods and leveling the ridges.
You soften the earth with showers
    and bless its abundant crops.
¹¹ You crown the year with a bountiful harvest;
    even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.
¹² The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture,
    and the hillsides blossom with joy.
¹³ The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep,
    and the valleys are carpeted with grain.
    They all shout and sing for joy!

John the Baptizer was brought into the world as a miracle to his parents, an encouragement to Mary (pregnant with Jesus), and a promise of deliverance for this Jewish nation under Roman oppression.

Darkness and the shadow of death may have kept the world then (and now) from recognizing the path of peace provided through our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.

If we, like John the Baptist, remember our spiritual strengthening, we may even recognize that it includes a bit of seclusion (like living in the wilderness).

Strong in Spirit means sustenance for that which God has prepared as our own ministry. We gain strength by living without distraction. We gain strength through time alone with God and in His word.

The light of His presence and the breaking up of shadows provides clarity. Not only do the wrong motives of those seeking fame or fortune become obvious but those hiding in the shadow lands cannot skulk around anymore.

God has certainly shown His tender mercies on Israel and the entire world, through His Son.

No longer am I waiting for the approval of those who appear powerful but am resting in the certainty of Him who is all powerful.

As I offer my body a living sacrifice, Lord, holy and acceptable to You, which is my reasonable service of worship…I will no longer be conformed to this world but I receive your transformation by the renewing of my mind, proving that which is Your good, perfect and acceptable will, oh God. (My prayer based on..Romans 12:1,2)

How great the joy of Elizabeth and Zechariah as they welcomed their son. How great our joy as we recognize the Savior, God’s Son. -Teresa #ministryaccomplished

Luke 1:67-80 (NLT)

⁶⁷ Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy:

⁶⁸ “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
    because he has visited and redeemed his people.
⁶⁹ He has sent us a mighty Savior^[a]
    from the royal line of his servant David,
⁷⁰ just as he promised
    through his holy prophets long ago.
⁷¹ Now we will be saved from our enemies
    and from all who hate us.
⁷² He has been merciful to our ancestors
    by remembering his sacred covenant—
⁷³ the covenant he swore with an oath
    to our ancestor Abraham.
⁷⁴ We have been rescued from our enemies
    so we can serve God without fear,
⁷⁵ in holiness and righteousness
    for as long as we live.

⁷⁶ “And you, my little son,
    will be called the prophet of the Most High,
    because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
⁷⁷ You will tell his people how to find salvation
    through forgiveness of their sins.
⁷⁸ Because of God’s tender mercy,
    the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,^[b]
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    and to guide us to the path of peace.”

⁸⁰ John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel.

Shoveling snow (the garage kept our tractor, used for snow plowing, potato field plowing and cutting summer grass for the hay barn where we housed the hunting dogs). I first learned to drive on the tractor!

We may not see the artwork that God is indelibly printing on our lives. During the process it seems painful and messy.

The end result, of course, is that those God chooses will smell the scent of God’s aroma over our actions. It will be undeniable that His will was done, although the suffering of the moment is not easy to endure. #love

For the joy set before Him, Christ endured the cross. Should we do any less-even when it feels hard, bad, or painfully disrespectful? #gutsobs

Grief will attempt to crush us but the hope of “God’s will be done” buoys our resolve to trust Him (our Heavenly Father) and obey his plan for salvation (trusting His Son’s finished work at Calvary).

Lord Jesus, thank you for making all things new. Your obedience unto death, even death on the cross means life for me. -Teresa #resurrection

P.S. So many were moved by Nicole C. Mullen’s song last week, I’m including another today. My Redeemer Lives

Mark 14:32-36 (NLT)

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

³² They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, “Sit here while I go and pray.” ³³ He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. ³⁴ He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

³⁵ He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by.³⁶ “Abba, Father,”^[c] he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Who are we to hold back those who need God? Please touch our lives, Lord, with your blessing. Through your sacrifice bring us peace with God.

Seeking God’s blessing means we will find his gift. Knocking results in an open door. Asking is the first step in being offered the gift of eternal life.

The most important step is receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord of your life. He is not annoyed, no matter how insignificant your life may “feel”. Even the children were considered important to Him.

Having faith like a child is vital. Without this ability to “see” things the way God does, we are incapable of trust.

Lord, give us eyes to see as you do. May we not ever stand in the way or hinder those who need your blessing. -Teresa

Nicole C. Mullen Please take 5 minutes to worship the “glory” of our Savior. I was touched by such an incredibly amazing performance… (especially the soliloquy on David’s despair). Many of the You Tube comments speak to this God who “sees” us in our need, and meets us…miraculously.

Mark 10:13-16 (ESV)

Let the Children Come to Me

¹³ And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴ But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. ¹⁵ Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” ¹⁶ And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

Jesus started his public ministry at 30 years old. Although the people recognized who he was and where he was from, they did not “see” Him or the significance of His appearing.

Certainly, we all change throughout the decades. Not only in our looks but we also change in our purpose or ministry. We could be secluded in private ministry, out in the open with public ministry or semi-retired, meaning open to what God has for us but valuing rest.

Whether or not lives are changed can be attributed to the presence (or lack of) faith. It’s not always the time or season for activity but God is always in the business of significant metamorphosis. We can only truly be renewed when we understand with spiritual eyes…eyes that are wide open.

This was illustrated on the way home from the coffee shop today. Not only did I recount the paradoxes of my personality but felt assured that God created me that way for a purpose. I was seeing my current ministry in a new light applying “faith” to the equation.

Am I a compilation of my past?…or at least what I felt/heard/believed:

“You are not beautiful”

Or am I what God has declared, or at least what I saw in His Word (with eyes of faith wide open at 15 years old)?

“ Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father’s house; 11 So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.” (Psalm 45:10,11 KJV)

You may not understand how God is helping to write your story as you trust in Him, but with faith you will be amazed at His significance throughout the years. -Teresa #loved

Mark 6:1-6 (ESV)

He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. ² And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands?³ Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. ⁴ And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” ⁵ And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. ⁶ And he marveled because of their unbelief.

The cloud was on it by day and fire was in it by night. What is it? …the Old Testament tabernacle. It was constructed with so much attention to detail, that the glory of the LORD entered it.

Likewise, the nomadic nature of the people of Israel was purposeful, led by God’s presence. #witnesstoallnations

Even today, we have the opportunity to be part of God’s people (the church). His presence may not appear as the cloud or pillar of fire but it is as purposeful.

We are indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God when we believe in His way of salvation. Through Christ Jesus the LORD, a precious gift was given to mankind. However, this gift must be received through faith.

How comforting to know that our lives are not willy-nilly chance occurrences. The documentary, Is Genesis History? makes excellent arguments for creation and the accuracy of the Bible.

When you read about how much detail was put into the tabernacle construction and ponder Christ “tabernacling” with mankind, this was not by chance.

Only God alone can create such intricate designs to sustain our universe. He is able to sustain our lives (no matter how crazy the circumstances).

Even the nation of Israel will be restored by accepting the Messiah (according to Romans 11:22-24). How beautiful for all of mankind when that happens.

Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort and remind us of Jesus’ life and words as we navigate this life. He alone can bring us to the purposeful destination of His will. -Teresa #faith #security #comfort

Exodus 40:34-38 (ESV)

³⁴ Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.³⁵ And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.³⁶ Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. ³⁷ But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. ³⁸ For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.

Although it is not always clear to us and at times we may be taken aback by duplicitous motives, God is omniscient.

I admit that I’ve been shocked if people don’t see things the way I do especially if they are quite sure I’ve done it wrong. Also, realizing many times that it’s not because of me or my inconsistency but THEIR experience (with others), informing them otherwise.

For example, I was checking out with a large grocery order. The checker was new to that store. She asked if we had enough bags. I said yes (meaning we will not purchase any today). After getting home and putting everything away, I reviewed the receipt and noticed that she not only charged me for two bags but made them specialty bags (the kind printed with the store name). Yes, we used those types of bags but had already purchased them months, even years before.

If someone is plotting against you vs. including you in their plan, take comfort from Christ’s example.

He understood what God’s will was for him. He obeyed the Father. He was not surprised by a stealthy plan but he took comfort in the provision given to endure his suffering. #forthejoysetbeforehim

When Jesus allowed his head to be anointed with an expensive ointment (pure nard), He was announcing his spiritual authority as king*. The sign above the cross where he was crucified even stated, “King of the Jews”. #theirmockingbecametruth

It was out of love for his nation and all the nations of the world that he humbled himself to an earthly status as a man. #theSonofGod

One of the statements that was said over and over in seminary was this truth: “Life is hard but God is good.” #resurrection

Being a Christ-follower means we also understand and obey the Father’s will. We may have to endure for a season but joy will come in the morning. – Teresa

P.s. I highly recommend *Sitting at the feet of Rabbi Jesus, by Ann Spangler.

Matthew 26:1-13 (ESV)

The Plot to Kill Jesus

26 When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples, ² “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”

³ Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, ⁴ and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. ⁵ But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.”

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

⁶ Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper,^[b] 7 a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. ⁸ And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?⁹ For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” ¹⁰ But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. ¹¹ For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. ¹² In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. ¹³ Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”

My daughter invited me the last three weeks to take a drive to a nature spot for a hike. It’s such a great way to break up the tedium of the day, with a 30 minute dose of exercise. Her son especially loves it- he was born for nature.

Moses led the people of Israel out from the oppression of forced labor in Egypt. Certainly, it was more than a 30 minute hike. It was more like a 3-day journey that turned into 40 years of wilderness wanderings.

The great comfort of this passage comes when the angel of God positioned Himself between them and their pursuing enemy. He was their salvation and Moses was established as God’s anointed leader for the people.

We may not understand why difficulties come or how they will turn out. The great comfort comes from knowing God’s Son, our Savior, who comes between us and the pursuing enemy…the curse of sin.

In one of the wildfire videos, I saw an elderly woman in her home saying, “just don’t forget about me”. It really touched my heart. How often do we take for granted our physical abilities to care for ourselves. Those who are caregivers understand what an important responsibility it is.

In a way, we all are like that woman when it comes to our spirituality. Lord, just don’t forget about me! To be utterly dependent on our Savior means we must call out to Him in our time of need.

Great and powerful is our God, to deal with the curse of sin. Yes, our sin (past, present and future) is covered by His blood. If we could see the blessing that is ours, we would not hesitate to be “in Christ”. Even as nature waits to be liberated from its groaning, we call out “just don’t forget about me, Lord”. -Teresa

Exodus 14: 19-31 (ESV)

19 Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them, ²⁰ coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the night^[b] without one coming near the other all night.

²¹ Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. ²² And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. ²³ The Egyptians pursued and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. ²⁴ And in the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down on the Egyptian forces and threw the Egyptian forces into a panic,²⁵ clogging^[c] their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily. And the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from before Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.”

²⁶ Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.” ²⁷ So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal course when the morning appeared. And as the Egyptians fled into it, the Lord threw^[d] the Egyptians into the midst of the sea. ²⁸ The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained. ²⁹ But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

³⁰ Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. ³¹ Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.