When our LORD and Saviour, Jesus Christ, stepped into history, there was no more dancing around the issue. Satan may have used accusations against the high priests beforehand because they were mere men- a shadow of things to come. The perfect Son of God came as Daniel predicted -the Son of Man-rescuing us from the spiritual forces bent on using destructive accusations against our sin nature. He is our great high priest interceding on our behalf. -Teresa

Zechariah 3:1-2 (NLT)

3 “Then the angel showed me Jeshua[e] the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord. The Accuser, Satan,[f] was there at the angel’s right hand, making accusations against Jeshua. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “I, the Lord, reject your accusations, Satan. Yes, the Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you. This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire.”

  Proverbs 30:17

“The eye that mocks a father

    and despises a mother’s instructions

will be plucked out by ravens of the valley

    and eaten by vultures.”

Although eyes are the reflection of what’s in the heart, they may not always reflect love for parents. During teenage/young adult years, the heart behind those eyes can be self-focused or outward-beauty focused. Give us wisdom, Lord, to run towards wisdom and away from the trap of a mocking/despising eye. Strengthen us in praying for the hearts of our young people.-Teresa

 The morning sun comes up brilliantly- running its course despite the brewing storm clouds. Our lives also shine brilliantly when we run our course for Him. For those Christians being persecuted, even today- God sees and has the ultimate say in justice and righteous rewards. (Read Vanya, Bonhoeffer and Corrie Ten Boom’s “The Hiding Place”).- Teresa

Revelation 7: 14-17 ( NLT)”… he said to me, “These are the ones who died in[a] the great tribulation.[b] They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white.

15 “That is why they stand in front of God’s throne
    and serve him day and night in his Temple.

And he who sits on the throne

    will give them shelter.

16 They will never again be hungry or thirsty;

    they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun.

17 For the Lamb on the throne[c]

    will be their Shepherd.

He will lead them to springs of life-giving water.

    And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

  Revelation 12: 15-21 (NLT)

15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.

20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.”
When the church at Laodicea heard the warning from Christ himself, I’m sure they snapped to attention and got fired up!! They were “rich” and self sufficient but had not purchased the most important things: purified gold, white garments and ointment for their eyes. These items were essential for true riches, full-proof coverings and clear sight. Lord, we come to you needy in a time of desperate dearth, fill us with your abundant provision.- Teresa

When our right actions flood society with justice, we have touched God’s heart. He created us for good works in Christ! (See Ephesians 2:10). This means working with strength and purpose to bring about what is right so that a flood of justice ensues. Putting on appearances is easy but to do the hard work of building a solid foundation is worthwhile. – Teresa #Christhesolidrock

Amos 5: 21-24 (NLT)21 “I hate all your show and pretense—

    the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies.

22 I will not accept your burnt offerings and grain offerings.

    I won’t even notice all your choice peace offerings.

23 Away with your noisy hymns of praise!

    I will not listen to the music of your harps.

24 Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice,

    an endless river of righteous living.”

 

 
Love, agape-style, means meeting needs! Fanning our feathers or looking attractive may result in an outward display of intent but meeting the needs around us shows true love for God. -Teresa 
Hosea 6:6 (NLT)
“I want you to show love,[b]

    not offer sacrifices.

I want you to know me[c]

    more than I want burnt offerings.”

  

The leader with broad shoulders takes responsibility for promoting righteousness. The leader with flashy speeches but no substance leaves the people defenseless. The leader who’s been bought ensures popularity in the media… #willofthepeoplebusted- Teresa

 Proverbs 29:2-4 (NLT)

2 When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice.

    But when the wicked are in power, they groan.

3 The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,

    but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted.

4 A just king gives stability to his nation,

    but one who demands bribes destroys it.

 

Although Daniel was intent on understanding, he was also filled with obedient humility. Three times in this passage, he was called “precious to God”. No matter the cost, he followed hard after God- hungering and thirsting for the truth. Both Gabriel and Michael the archangel had a part in bringing understanding to Daniel. Lord, help us to recognize your view of us and your celestial help when we are seeking You and Your kingdom first and foremost. – Teresa

Daniel 9: 20-23, 10: 7-14 (NLT)20 “I went on praying and confessing my sin and the sin of my people, pleading with the Lord my God for Jerusalem, his holy mountain. 21 As I was praying, Gabriel, whom I had seen in the earlier vision, came swiftly to me at the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He explained to me, “Daniel, I have come here to give you insight and understanding. 23 The moment you began praying, a command was given. And now I am here to tell you what it was, for you are very precious to God. Listen carefully so that you can understand the meaning of your vision.”
7 “Only I, Daniel, saw this vision. The men with me saw nothing, but they were suddenly terrified and ran away to hide. 8 So I was left there all alone to see this amazing vision. My strength left me, my face grew deathly pale, and I felt very weak. 9 Then I heard the man speak, and when I heard the sound of his voice, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground.”
10 “Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling, to my hands and knees. 11 And the man said to me, “Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you.” When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling.”
12 Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. 13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince[n] of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels,[o] came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia.[p] 14 Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.”
  

 Dark chocolate mousse with peanut butter and carmelized bananas…a dessert to live for!! The vision Daniel had of how our world system ends is also pretty sweet and satisfying- something worth living for!!! Do we underestimate the place of honor the Father (or Ancient One) has for his Son (or Son of Man)? Have we bowed our knee to the Son of God? #salvation’s-bottom line -Teresa

Daniel 7:9-14 (NLT)

9 “I watched as thrones were put in place

    and the Ancient One[b] sat down to judge.

His clothing was as white as snow,

    his hair like purest wool.

He sat on a fiery throne

    with wheels of blazing fire,

10 and a river of fire was pouring out,

    flowing from his presence.

Millions of angels ministered to him;

    many millions stood to attend him.

Then the court began its session,

    and the books were opened.

11 I continued to watch because I could hear the little horn’s boastful speech. I kept watching until the fourth beast was killed and its body was destroyed by fire. 12 The other three beasts had their authority taken from them, but they were allowed to live a while longer.[c]

13 As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man[d] coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.”

From Leatherby’s to frozen yogurt, the wild or destructive things we do will bear consequences. Good news, however, means that we have a second chance to base our self-worth not on behaviors but on His Son’s willingness to give all…so that we can enjoy fellowship with the Father. Facing God means answering to His standard. -Teresa#trustHimtosaveyoufromsin

I Peter 4:4-6 (NLT) 4 “Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. 5 But remember that they will have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone, both the living and the dead. 6 That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead[i]—so although they were destined to die like all people,[j] they now live forever with God in the Spirit.”[k]