Troublemakers earn their reputation because they are no longer riding the fence. They actually jumped over, in order to conjure up evil plans.
Those riding the fence have a limited life. The act of balancing on a 1/2-inch surface takes all their energy.
How wonderful for those who choose the side of love, caring for themselves and others with wisdom.
I took a leadership class in seminary that emphasized the importance of leading our own self first by following God’s wisdom. Then, as we are entrusted with children, responsibility over others, even entrusted with our spiritual gift from the Holy Spirit, only then can we use it for good (not evil).
Don’t be a troublemaker. Don’t even get the reputation of one (by instigating evil plans with others.)
Instead, stay on the side of God’s wisdom, goodness and most of all…love ❤️. -Teresa
#everyleadermustfirstlearntofollowtrue❤️
Proverbs 24:8New Living Translation
8 A person who plans evil will get a reputation as a troublemaker.
Doing what the Word of God reveals means that I truly heard its meaning and allowed it to take root in my heart.
Receiving it with meekness because of its power to save me, I have a whole different attitude toward listening to its timeless wisdom.
For a few years now, I have been working through a desperate struggle from my past, namely not feeling part of the “in” crowd. Maybe it started in grade school when I was always last to be picked for PE games. 🧐
Wherever this “inability to measure up” came from, I know that it’s driven me to strive extra hard in developing a team camaraderie wherever I am (at home, at work, in ministry). At times, I still feel left out. It becomes more than just a feeling when it affects my health, both physically and mentally. (aka perfectionist)
Ultimately, negative feelings may cause a cascade of bad emotion such as anger turned inward. “Why did I make that mistake”? or “I should not have listened to …”.
The passage below helped me to “hear” God’s heart. That is, if I take “right actions” vs. walk away and forget the truth, then I will be saved from self-anger. Lord, I realize that how you see me is pure love!! Help me to align my actions based on the truth in your Word.
I experienced three amazing blessings yesterday, yet I was surprised to wake up again today, “just not sure”. #amIlovedbytheFather
Your righteousness, Lord, is fully shining…my challenge is…letting the warmth of your love in! -Teresa #whatactionwillsetmefree? #listenup
James 1: 19-25 (ESV) 19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
When the sky lights up, we are amazed at His glory. With the going out of the morning and the evening, we shout for joy!
Praise is due our God. Not only has Zion been the hope of the nation of Israel but it is the spiritual hope of the world. Israel has helped to point us to the glory of YHWH.
How has this great God-the Creator, Sustainer and Deliverer chosen to pursue a world determined to ignore Zion?
Those who trust in the God of Zion receive this refreshing rain and joyful harvest. In the Old Testament, this was represented physically as a suzerain vassal treaty.
In the New Testament, Paul describes the blessing of God as being grafted into the Olive Tree. This is only possible through the Messiah, Christ Jesus the LORD.
Our spiritual rest is beyond complete as the LORD has accomplished His amazing work for us to be born in Zion. Praise is due YOU, O LORD! – Teresa #bornagain #Nicodemus
Psalm 65:1-13 (ESV) (bold added for emphasis)
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. A Song.
65 Praise is due to you,[a] O God, in Zion, and to you shall vows be performed. 2 O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come. 3 When iniquities prevail against me, you atone for our transgressions. 4 Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!
5 By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas; 6 the one who by his strength established the mountains, being girded with might; 7 who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples, 8 so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs. You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy.
9 You visit the earth and water it;[b] you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it. 10 You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth. 11 You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with abundance. 12 The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy, 13 the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy.Read full chapter
The church was persecuted from the start, by Judaizers. Even Saul (whose name would be changed to Paul) was responsible for imprisoning those who believed that Jesus was the Christ (Messiah).
What a beautiful transformation to see one who was so angered by this teaching becoming a preacher of truth.
There are times when it is required to “ride the waves”, although it involves being buffeted around. We have no idea what God is doing in the lives of those who are being drawn to God. #Stephen
Through the process, we may be molded by the turbulence into a more caring and compassionate individual. When Christ taught His disciples to carry the soldier’s gear “more than” the required mile, He was emphasizing that those equipped for cruelty are disarmed by genuine kindness.
The kingdom of God is not intuitive to our worldly culture or natural human desires, it is decisively greater than.
Lord, give us the courage to live our lives with YOU foremost in our mind’s eye. You are great and deserve all the glory. -Teresa
Galatians 1:22-24 (ESV)
22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.
Love is strong, love is fierce, love is a fire that burns through many waters.
A heart in love cannot be bought, instead it is sealed for life- for richer or for poorer.
I was thinking about the importance of faith this week. After watching “The Chosen” season 4, episode 4, we were impacted by the faith of the centurion (Gaius) in Jesus. How beautiful our simple faith is to God.
Then, I was reading I Corinthians 13 reminding me of that which is greater than faith…love. If I have enough faith to move a mountain but have not love, I am nothing.
I Corinthians 13: 2b (NIV)
…and if I have a faith
that can move mountains,
but do not have love, I am nothing.
Christ Jesus alone has the power to save us from the sin nature of our flesh but why would He pay the penalty owed for our sin? It had to be love!
The love of the Father flowed to the Son. Through the Holy Spirit we too have been empowered to love as He has loved.
It is not our faith that is the greatest but the gift of God through His Son, Christ Jesus that allows His love to be spread abroad in our hearts.- Teresa #brideofChrist #thechurch
Song of Solomon 8:6-7 (ESV)
6 Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy[m] is fierce as the grave.[n] Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord. 7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he[o] would be utterly despised.
We took a few of our grandkids camping this week. It was priceless! The joy on their faces brought us enough encouragement to last a month.
As we get older and more fragile physically, I notice that the weight of what really matters to us becomes the driving force of our lives.
Paul also brings across a similar point (in the passage below). If the only thing to consider was their physical comfort, I doubt the apostles would have continued in the spread of the gospel.
Instead, they realized that the weight of glory or the heaviness and importance of God’s work changing lives was far more important than the outward afflictions that they were required to endure.
I told my husband that as great as our trip was, it may be the last “tent” camping for awhile (since the physical aches and pains were a bit much).
Don’t get me wrong, I consider myself to be tough (aka to have “sisu” in the Finnish culture), yet I don’t enjoy pain or discomfort any more than the next person does.
Eternal perspective, however, really does help bring about encouragement and not just for a month. I’m referring to the amazing refreshment found through the renewing of our inner self. This is only accomplished by the love of God poured out in our hearts.
For some, they will resist that truth (that God loves them) and cause pain in order to keep others from experiencing it.
God’s perspective is the only right one. -Teresa #truth #love #notjustnow #eternally
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self[a] is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
When King David provided a description of our lives as fleeting, I was not prepared for how short that would be…as short as a breath!
If we think about this (selah) and truly ponder what that means, I believe that God will grant us a heart of wisdom. This was noted in a Psalm of Moses.
Psalm 90:12[12] So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
When I am mindful of my breathing 😮💨, I can feel the turbulence on the exhale. Is this exemplary of the turmoil within the sin nature?
Am I able to extend my life through the pursuit of hard work (in order to gain wealth)? More importantly, am I able to see the beauty of God’s hand of discipline on me (molding me into His gracious heart and valuing what He values)?
Whether my life is short or long by earthly standards, in the heavenly realm it is merely a moment (or a breath).
Your presence, Lord, brings hope and deliverance from all transgressions. You make us wise in the midst of worldly woes, since we are sojourning here as a guest.
Lord, please make my life count for you.- Teresa #myheartyourhome
Psalm 39English Standard Version
What Is the Measure of My Days?
To the choirmaster: to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
39 I said, “I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence.” 2 I was mute and silent; I held my peace to no avail, and my distress grew worse. 3 My heart became hot within me. As I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:
4 “O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! 5 Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah 6 Surely a man goes about as a shadow! Surely for nothing[a] they are in turmoil; man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!
7 “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. 8 Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool! 9 I am mute; I do not open my mouth, for it is you who have done it. 10 Remove your stroke from me; I am spent by the hostility of your hand. 11 When you discipline a man with rebukes for sin, you consume like a moth what is dear to him; surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah
12 “Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears! For I am a sojourner with you, a guest, like all my fathers. 13 Look away from me, that I may smile again, before I depart and am no more!”
Me and my daughter working at Star Camp last week (for the cuties)
Thanks for all the likes and comments on my blog over the years. It will be 10 years soon!!
This passage (below) I’ve shared before. After posting it (onFB) this week, felt that I should also copy it for all of you…Enjoy!
This took place when I was 15 years old and changed my life for the good.
When I was travelling with our youth group (many years ago), our bus encountered serious brake malfunction. I was sitting in the upper deck of the old greyhound when around the corner came a semi truck right in our lane approaching at full speed-head on. When the whites of the driver’s eyes got very wide, I knew I was about to die. Then, God miraculously widened the bridge we were on. The bridge gave us safe passage across a deep ravine in the Rocky Mountains. The cars we had swerved past were on the right, the semi squeaked by on the left and our bus was not slowing down as it barreled through the narrow 2-lane ribbon of a road. Eventually, the mountain descent wound down to a flat plateau and we pulled off to the side of the road. God spoke to me with verse seven of this passage as I read my Bible that morning. I knew that Jesus Himself had come to not only intervene with a surrounding protection but to teach me an unforgettable lesson. My prayer before the summer was…Lord, I need to know that you are just as interactive with people today as when the Bible was written! Thank you for your protection, Lord. We fear you…our creator, defender, the One worth giving all for. – Teresa
Psalm 34:4-10 (NLT) 4 “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. 6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. 7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! 9 Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. 10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.”
After a week of “Star Camp” with my grandkids, I’m feeling amazed. Amazed at their spiritual eyes and the beauty of teaching the truth of God’s word.
Doing those things that lead us to a greater understanding of God may feel like a waste of time to some, but ultimately it helps the next generation begin their own relationship with God.
We can sacrifice by working to keep everyone in a materialistic bubble and yet we can do what is right, just by spending time teaching them about Jesus, God’s own Son. Which is more acceptable? His desire is to be involved in their lives. #our-promise #theNewCovenant
Grandparents have a unique role and an important one. It is not as complicated as much as it is straightforward, loving those in our sphere of influence for HIS glory. -Teresa #welovebecauseHefirstlovedus
Proverbs 21:3English Standard Version
3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
When the ocean fog starts to lift, you can see the hazards (especially for boats). They are up close and personal.
In this passage, King Josiah made sure to get a clear view of the consequences that awaited their nation due to forsaking God’s book of the Law.
Censoring books did not need to happen in this case because God’s book was simply neglected.
In spite of the dire warning, Josiah humbled himself before God. How great to have leaders with wisdom, embracing the written word of God.
Our actions reflect obedient faith (or lack of). We may not have a high profile service to God, never fear…He sees even our humble prayers (like King Josiah).
He read it to the people, made a covenant to keep it and made the people serve the LORD. How radical is that?
Truth involves obedient action. Not my truth or your truth. I’m talking about God’s truth. #theBible #mostauthenticatedbodyancientliterature
When it’s up close and personal, avoid the hazard of neglecting God’s word by getting a clear assessment of the danger ahead. We still have free will to humble ourselves before Him and a choice to serve the LORD. -Teresa #delayed-disaster #meanspeace
2 Chronicles 34: 22-33 (ESV)
Huldah Prophesies Disaster
22 So Hilkiah and those whom the king had sent[d] went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tokhath, son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe (now she lived in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter) and spoke to her to that effect. 23 And she said to them, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: ‘Tell the man who sent you to me, 24 Thus says the Lord, Behold, I will bring disaster upon this place and upon its inhabitants, all the curses that are written in the book that was read before the king of Judah. 25 Because they have forsaken me and have made offerings to other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands, therefore my wrath will be poured out on this place and will not be quenched.26 But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, thus shall you say to him, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Regarding the words that you have heard, 27 because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard his words against this place and its inhabitants, and you have humbled yourself before me and have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. 28 Behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place and its inhabitants.’” And they brought back word to the king.
29 Then the king sent and gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. 30 And the king went up to the house of the Lord, with all the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the priests and the Levites, all the people both great and small. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the Lord. 31 And the king stood in his place and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant that were written in this book. 32 Then he made all who were present in Jerusalem and in Benjamin join in it. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers. 33 And Josiah took away all the abominations from all the territory that belonged to the people of Israel and made all who were present in Israel serve the Lord their God. All his days they did not turn away from following the Lord, the God of their fathers.
Footnotes
2 Chronicles 33:19 One Hebrew manuscript, Septuagint; most Hebrew manuscripts of Hozai
Reconnection 