God’s Spirit showed up for Zerubbabel. In the midst of facing a huge mountain, he was confident that the building would be built.

With our current U.S. housing crisis, we are seeing the obstacles that Zerubbabel may have encountered. Interest rates that look like a ginormous mountain to climb prevent many from reaching their dream of having their own place to either rent or own.

Nevertheless, God will make a way to empower His church. Our Savior (who is also “head” of the church body) took on the greatest obstacle of all when he moved locations, being divine but in very human conditions. He did not go big but he did come “home”. #manger

His earthly home was secure with parents who were handpicked by the Father. Maybe they did not have much in regards to worldly wealth, yet Mary and Joseph had a home where God’s name was revered.

This Christmas season, we can rejoice in making our hearts Christ’s home. In so doing, he will miraculously make us part of His great building, the church.- Teresa #Hisglory #Hiswork #makesuslessbig #bringsmehome

I Corinthians 3: 8-17 (ESV)

8 The one who plants and the one who waters work as one, but each will receive his reward according to his work. 9 We are coworkers belonging to God. You are God’s field, God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master-builder I laid a foundation, but someone else builds on it. And each one must be careful how he builds. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than what is being laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw,13 each builder’s work will be plainly seen, for the Day will make it clear, because it will be revealed by fire. And the fire will test what kind of work each has done.14 If what someone has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If someone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as through fire. 16
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? 17 If someone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, which is what you are.

Zechariah 4:6-10 (ESV)

⁶ Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. ⁷ Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’”

⁸ Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying,⁹ “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. ¹⁰ For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.

…From Matthew Henry’s commentary regarding this passage in Zechariah: “The church is a golden candlestick, or lamp-bearer, set up for enlightening this dark world, and holding forth the light of Divine revelation. Two olive trees were seen, one on each side the candlestick, from which oil flowed into the bowl without ceasing. God brings to pass his gracious purposes concerning his church, without any art or labour of man; sometimes he makes use of his instruments, yet he needs them not. This represented the abundance of Divine grace, for the enlightening and making holy the ministers and members of the church, and which cannot be procured or prevented by any human power. The vision assures us that the good work of building the temple, should be brought to a happy end. The difficulty is represented as a great mountain. But all difficulties shall vanish, and all the objections be got over. Faith will remove mountains, and make them plains. Christ is our Zerubbabel; mountains of difficulty were in the way of his undertaking, but nothing is too hard for him. What comes from the grace of God, may, in faith, be committed to the grace of God, for he will not forsake the work of his own hands. Verses 8-10 The exact fulfilment of Scripture prophecies is a convincing proof of their Divine original. Though the instruments be weak and unlikely, yet God often chooses such, to bring about great things by them. Let not the dawning light be despised; it will shine more and more to the perfect day. Those who despaired of finishing the work, shall rejoice when they see Zerubbabel giving directions what to do, and taking care that the work be done. It is a comfort to us that the same all-wise, almighty Providence, which governs the earth, is in particular conversant about the church. All that have the plummet in their hands, must look up to the eyes of the Lord, have constant regard to Divine Providence, act in dependence on its guidance and submission to its disposals. Let us fix our faith on Christ, and view Him carrying on his work according to his own glorious plan, and daily bringing his spiritual building nearer to completion.”

It was a wonderful trip to San Jose this week to attend our son’s graduation ceremony.

There was a time when getting a degree, especially a master’s hood meant so much to me.

Watching our son’s hooding ceremony, I was surprised to realize that I’ve lost my desire to pursue that again.

Me, the lifelong student (which I still am) am finally coming to embrace that it is God who teaches me through the guidance of His Holy Spirit.

That is not to diminish such important work at the University level (especially for our son). He gave me a wonderful Christmas gift by posing for a picture with his arms around his parents in full regalia! Proud parent moment!!!

Many times, healing arrives when I can “shake off” life-long pursuits, especially if that pursuit kept me from seeing God’s first and foremost place in my life.

In this passage, the phrase “for his steadfast love endures forever” is repeated 26 times. The Psalms are a book of poems or songs. When the Psalmist repeats a phrase it is to emphasize its truth. This is true beyond a doubt: the Lord’s steadfast love endures forever.

Verse 15 rejoices in God’s protection of Israel when they escaped the bondage of Egypt. He actually shook off the thing that held them captive (which was Pharaoh and his host).

Are there strongholds holding you back from freedom? What does God need to shake off of your life? Falsehoods grip and control us, God’s truth releases and frees us to love ourselves and others.

As I thank the Lord for his character of steadfast love this week, I am encouraged by those in my life who remind me of how much God not only does battle for my mind but crowns my life with His love and compassion.- Teresa #Sabbathrest

His Steadfast Love Endures Forever

Psalm 136English Standard Version

136 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
² Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
³ Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for his steadfast love endures forever;

⁴ to him who alone does great wonders,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
⁵ to him who by understanding made the heavens,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
⁶ to him who spread out the earth above the waters,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
⁷ to him who made the great lights,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
⁸ the sun to rule over the day,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
⁹ the moon and stars to rule over the night,
for his steadfast love endures forever;

¹⁰ to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
¹¹ and brought Israel out from among them,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
¹² with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
¹³ to him who divided the Red Sea in two,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
¹⁴ and made Israel pass through the midst of it,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
¹⁵ but overthrew^[a] Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
¹⁶ to him who led his people through the wilderness,
for his steadfast love endures forever;

¹⁷ to him who struck down great kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
¹⁸ and killed mighty kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
¹⁹ Sihon, king of the Amorites,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
²⁰ and Og, king of Bashan,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
²¹ and gave their land as a heritage,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
²² a heritage to Israel his servant,
for his steadfast love endures forever.

²³ It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
²⁴ and rescued us from our foes,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
²⁵ he who gives food to all flesh,
for his steadfast love endures forever.

²⁶ Give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures forever.

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Footnotes

a.Psalm 136:15 Hebrew shook off

I’ve always prayed to have a life of ministry, influencing those around me. The Lord has assured me that my biggest impact and ministry will be through our children. Their lives will reach this world with His love, much greater than anything I imagined for my own life.

You may wonder who the Nicolaitans were (referenced in the passage below). I found this on website,Bible study.org: “Like Simon Magus, whom the early apostles also confronted, the Nicolaitans introduced the concept of using the name of Jesus for commercial gain, dominance and control. After all, the concept had worked quite well in the pagan temples of the vast gentile world, generating wealth and revenue for many societies” (Nicholas and Xmas by C. Franklin).”

Watching the Christmas classic, “Miracle on 34th Street”, I was reminded of how often at this time of year I start with being grateful for God’s gift but get so easily distracted by what’s in it for me?

Clearly, the art of resting in our Father’s purpose becomes the way we are metamorphosed into something much better than our human ideas.

You alone will know the new name (aka character) God has written on your stone, revealed fully in His time. -Teresa #life-givingmanna #Jesusisthebreadoflife

Revelation 2: 12-17 (ESV)

To the Church in Pergamum

¹² “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.

¹³ “‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith^[b] even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. ¹⁴ But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality.¹⁵ So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. ¹⁶ Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. ¹⁷ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’

John 6:31-40 (NET)

31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, just as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the solemn truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but my Father is giving you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 So they said to him, “Sir, give us this bread all the time!”35
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. The one who comes to me will never go hungry, and the one who believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But I told you that you have seen me and still do not believe. 37Everyone whom the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will never send away.38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. 39 Now this is the will of the one who sent me – that I should not lose one person of every one he has given me, but raise them all up at the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father – for everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him to have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

My dad had a soft spot in his heart for our oldest son. You can see the gentleness on his face as he held him. My dad was not always gentle. He grew up in the Upper Peninsula of MI, his father was an iron ore miner. Those who are “Yoopers” need no further explanation. If the harsh winter weather didn’t kill you, the tough conditions that the miners endured drove most of them to drink.

The oldest son, according to our Finnish culture, was responsible for his mom and the family property. Because of his birth order, my father gave up any chance to attend college, but he proudly watched all five of HIS children (raised on a blue-collar wage) graduate from four-year Universities.

In this passage, I’m challenged to take a moment to know when to be gentle and when to be “no-nonsense” (like my dad). Those who are false- full of lies or deceit- are not operating from God’s Spirit.

Fear is absent in the presence of love. On the other hand, falsehoods and deceit can threaten people’s reputations or livelihoods, aka make people act cowardly out of fear. Love is based on trust, knowing God’s intentions toward us are for life everlasting (not destruction).

One of my seminary professors, Dr. Merilyn Copland, taught us Hebrew. She explained why the “law” to an Israelite is a source of joy and celebration. It was God pouring down a blessing on His people to abundantly provide for them should they choose to follow it! In light of that, who would NOT follow the Ten Commandments, the most important of God’s laws?

With God’s Spirit abiding in us and His provision around us, we can exude love for others. This may appear at times gentle and at other times “no nonsense”.

Although my dad went to be with the Lord quite a few years ago, his example lives on. One thing is for certain, people know when they are loved. -Teresa #confidence

1 John 4English Standard Version

Test the Spirits

4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. ² By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, ³ and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. ⁴ Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. ⁵ They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. ⁶ We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

God Is Love

⁷ Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸ Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. ⁹ In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. ¹⁰ In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. ¹¹ Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. ¹² No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

¹³ By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. ¹⁴ And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. ¹⁵ Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. ¹⁶ So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. ¹⁷ By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. ¹⁸ There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.¹⁹ We love because he first loved us. ²⁰ If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot^[a] love God whom he has not seen.²¹ And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Whatever is your gift, use it to God’s glory! If it’s showing hospitality, you are highly favored. God is watching your heart’s desire, to bring glory to Him.

Following an extreme celebration of giving thanks, I am in awe of how worthwhile it is to stop and ponder. When I remember God’s gift to mankind, I cannot begin to compare the “suffering” of chores and celebration preparation to the joy that awaits the fruit of these efforts. #thankfulhearts

But more importantly, loving one another earnestly is the remedy needed to allow forgiveness (even for a multitude of sins). Can we be earnest without first investing time, money and/or attention? #God’slove

Am I touching another as God would want that person to be ministered to? Am I recognizing the grateful heart outpoured to me when thanks is given?

Endurance through suffering is also part of that. It may be needed when my gift is not appreciated, taken for granted or when my grateful thanks is spurned or worse, misunderstood. Suffering may be endured for years. However, by patiently enduring, (James 1- read below) I will see the fruit of a heart being complete (at rest) in Christ, the author and finisher of my faith- Hebrews 12:2.

For the sake of our prayers, we should remain under the Holy Spirit’s influence (self-control). We have no idea who will benefit from our prayers as God puts their name/face in our thoughts.-Teresa #gratefulforyou

James 1:2-4 (NET)

2My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything.

1 Peter 4:7-5:14English Standard Version

⁷ The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. ⁸ Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.⁹ Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: ¹¹ whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Suffering as a Christian

¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴ If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory^[a] and of God rests upon you. ¹⁵ But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. ¹⁶ Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. ¹⁷ For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸ And

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”^[b]

¹⁹ Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Is there anything that stands in the way of God’s love for me, stealing my joy?

Could it be anger that has been allowed to brew deep down? It can stop the flow of love for myself and others.

After all, in James 1, the apostle states that “man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires”. #rightrelationshipwithGod

In order to realize God’s love, we must give up what we feel is ours to hold. Jesus has taken the accusation and the punishment that was rightfully ours. #surrender

That means it is no longer mine to hold. There is no need to justify myself. There is no need to seek recompense.

Who is it that justifies? It is God alone!

As I rest in God’s love for me, I remember the One who is able to deliver me from a joyless existence, providing a righteous life.

Who brings me freedom from angst and showers me with intense joy? His love can begin to overflow in me. Love for myself and love for others is what Jesus will never stop providing. He knows me and helps me realize with confidence that I am loved. #letgoandlove

This passage amazes me over and over.- Teresa #loved

Romans 8:31-39 (NET)

31
What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, freely give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is the one who will condemn? Christ is the one who died (and more than that, he was raised), who is at the right hand of God, and who also is interceding for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we encounter death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us! 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers,39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

James 1:19-26 (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.

²⁶ If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. ²⁷ Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

*photo credit, Gabby Trint Buule

My husband and I were reminded last night of the beauty that overflows when a life given to follow God is based on his word, the Bible.

We heard the story of identical twin boys, now young men who have chosen to follow hard after God. They were not ashamed to say, “how could we not know there is a God? We have been given so much NOT through coincidence but through the Holy Spirit provision.”

How long has it been since a young person’s wisdom literally blew me away. It was because they not only talked it, but were walking it!!

Their respect for “older people” was matched with their enthusiasm to share themselves, unashamedly. They ministered to my husband and me. I alluded to it being like we were clothed with the sword of the Spirit: by locking shields together (the faith of fellow believers) we were able to cut through enemy ground with the sword of the Spirit (the word of God) and advance for the kingdom of God.

They ended our time together with expressing their love for God not only because he had provided for them physically (raised by a single mom), but he had brought emotional healing by helping them forgive their father (who has chosen to remain out of their lives).

They were a picture of the Psalm below. Overflowing with joy to speak of their trust in God, genuinely interested in those they spoke with, they gave out of the abundance of the wisdom in their souls. #GodasFather

What is it that causes dread vs. anticipation and how can we turn it around?. Am I seeing it as a way to grow in my understanding of God’s provision for me, am I approaching it as a question of what does God need to change in me or am I just determined to be a positive influence around others? (all wonderful answers given by others).

For me, I am sure that God wants to help me change certain things in the way I think. Instead of being concerned about “others opinions of me”, to be focused on Him. Studying and delighting in God’s work in others brings wisdom.

My grief (or my dread) makes me realize that I’ve had loss but it also helps me anticipate the comfort I can share with others. My daughter sent a picture of these teardrops- such a wonderful visual of God’s love for us. (Remember the Father’s teardrop at the conclusion of the Passion*)? Be moved and blessed by God- Teresa #wisdomoftheyouth

*the Passion of the Christ, 2004 film written by Mel Gibson

Psalm 111:1-10 (ESV)

111 ^[a] Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
² Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
³ Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
⁴ He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and merciful.
⁵ He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
⁶ He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
⁷ The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;
⁸ they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
⁹ He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name!
¹⁰ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!

I’ve been working as a student extern for the past three weeks, applying for my pharmacy tech license tomorrow. As a retired RN, I am enjoying this field. There are regulatory laws that oversee pharmacy practice. Each law was introduced to make the products or distribution of the drugs safer, guaranteeing effectiveness.

In this passage, the law was given to establish on earth, a heavenly perspective. When it came to developing perfect righteousness for mankind, however, the law failed and the priestly oath was established. For those instances when mankind was unable to keep the law, blood was shed (animal sacrifice) and through the authority of the priest it was offered as atonement for the person’s sin against God (sin is…missing His mark of perfection).

The sacrificial system was transformed when Jesus Christ the LORD came. He offered himself up once and for all as the perfect (sinless) sacrifice, shedding his own blood to atone for all our sin (past, present and future). He was also made (through the Father’s oath), a perfect priest, guaranteeing the new covenant agreement between God and man. (See Jeremiah 31 below).

His authority over my life is final. As much as “man-made” systems would like to thwart or skew God’s word, in the end He decides what is just and right. After all, He is our creator and the sustainer of life.

“He is able to save to the uttermost” (v.25). How? He always lives to intercede on our behalf. Wow!! Can you think of anything better than knowing the eternally perfect Son of God has taken you under His wing?

Our part is found in that same verse (25)…”draw near to God through him“. Without Jesus Christ the Lord, we have no safe passage to God the Father. He proclaims this requirement in the gospel of John (see below).

When I learn a new profession, I am not perfect. There is a learning curve. As humans, can we ever be perfect, spiritually? I heard a great song this week by Rachel Lampa (with Toby Mac) called “Perfectly Loved” . Perfectly Loved

Hope you enjoy! – Teresa

Hebrews 7:18-28English Standard Version

¹⁸ For on the one hand, a former commandment set aside because of its weakness and uselessness¹⁹ (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

²⁰ And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, ²¹ but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him:

“The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind,
‘You are a priest forever.’”

²² This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.

²³ The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, ²⁴ but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever.²⁵ Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost^[a] those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

²⁶ For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. ²⁷ He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. ²⁸ For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

Jeremiah 31:33-34 (NET)

“But I will make a new covenant with the whole nation of Israel after I plant them back in the land,” says the Lord. “I will put my law within them and write it on their hearts and minds. I will be their God and they will be my people.34
“People will no longer need to teach their neighbors and relatives to know me. For all of them, from the least important to the most important, will know me,” says the Lord. “For I will forgive their sin and will no longer call to mind the wrong they have done.”

John 6:44-46 (NET)

44No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who hears and learns from the Father comes to me. 46 (Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God – he has seen the Father.)

Although this chapter in Lamentations is not about a traditional marriage, the punch line is about what every bride and groom longs for…that their love will never end.

God’s love is faithful because He is faithful. When circumstances are tedious, heavy or even hurtful, His mercy is renewed every morning towards mankind. The closer each person gets to God, the closer both bride and groom are moved toward each other- better together.

My husband and I just finished watching the docuseries, “Aftershock”. It covered the 2015 earthquake in Nepal from three different angles. Some were trapped on the mountain (Everest). Others escaped from a village (Langtang Valley) that was entirely wiped out. Yet, most of the devastation took place in the capital city of Kathmandu, where close to 9 thousand people died.

What an authentic representation of how people respond in times of disaster. It was also a reminder of how precious life is-as we know it. Clearly, life can change in a moment.

On the great “Day” of the Lord, when God shakes the earth one last time, it will result in final judgment against sin’s curse and the end of life on this earth (before the new heavens and earth are established). This could be today or it could be 5,000 years from now (as the Bible informs us that no one knows the day or the hour.)

The main truth to remember is that we continue to live in such a way as to bring glory to God. Although our mortal life will someday end, God draws us by His steadfast love into a relationship that is truly “eternal”. His gift to us is called eternal life and is defined in John 17- to know God and His Son, Jesus Christ. This relationship empowers us to live meaningfully.-Teresa #hopeinhim #rejoice #newmercy #newday

Lamentations 3: 22-27 (ESV)

²² The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;^[b]
his mercies never come to an end;
²³ they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”

I Thessalonians 5:1-12 (NET)

1Now on the topic of times and seasons, brothers and sisters, you have no need for anything to be written to you. 2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord will come in the same way as a thief in the night. 3 Now when they are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction comes on them, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will surely not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in the darkness for the day to overtake you like a thief would.5 For you all are sons of the light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of the darkness. 6 So then we must not sleep as the rest, but must stay alert and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But since we are of the day, we must stay sober by putting on the breastplate of faith and love and as a helmet our hope for salvation. 9 For God did not destine us for wrath but for gaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.10 He died for us so that whether we are alert or asleep we will come to life together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as you are in fact doing.

Revelation 16:18-20 (NET)

18 Then there were flashes of lightning, roaring, and crashes of thunder, and there was a tremendous earthquake – an earthquake unequaled since humanity has been on the earth, so tremendous was that earthquake. 19 The great city was split into three parts and the cities of the nations collapsed. So Babylon the great was remembered before God, and was given the cup filled with the wine made of God’s furious wrath. 20 Every island fled away and no mountains could be found.

John 17:1-5 (NET)

1When Jesus had finished saying these things, he looked upward to heaven and said, “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, so that your Son may glorify you – 2 just as you have given him authority over all humanity, so that he may give eternal life to everyone you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life – that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you sent. 4 I glorified you on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me at your side with the glory I had with you before the world was created. 6

Mightier than the waves of the sea, the LORD’s strength is majestic. From everlasting to everlasting, God’s “word” is as deafening as a mighty roar (when we believe, or have faith). Decreed as trustworthy, He is holy and I am in awe (love is an action word, demonstrated by God’s provision for mankind).

Who is the “word” of God written by the apostle in John 1? Is it not Jesus Christ, God’s Son? He desires us to receive Him as Savior and Lord and thus become the children of God.

Who is this anointed King, bringing salvation to mankind? It is the One who was also present at creation. An astounding voice, He spoke the water into existence and He became the Word of God to speak newness into my life.

I once was lost and confused about what I should think about myself. In fact, other people’s words often influenced me more than God’s truth.

After being challenged by my pastor to read the Bible daily (when I was 9 years old), I have been helped beyond all measure by the truth of His powerful word and message. It is the same throughout the Old and New Testament, a message of His deliverance from sin and self. It’s a message of receiving His way, the gift of eternal life through faith.

When the floods roar (as in the day of Noah to destroy creation and mankind), remember that God is mightier still. He has provided an ark of rescue for those who look to God for grace and mercy. – Teresa #receiveHim #today

John 1:1-12 (NET)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. 2 The Word was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created by him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. 5 And the light shines on in the darkness, but the darkness has not mastered it. 6
A man came, sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that everyone might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. 9The true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was created by him, but the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to what was his own, but his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who have received him – those who believe in his name – he has given the right to become God’s children 13 – children not born by human parents or by human desire or a husband’s decision, but by God.

Psalm 93:1-5 (ESV)

93 The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty;
the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt.
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
² Your throne is established from of old;
you are from everlasting.

³ The floods have lifted up, O Lord,
the floods have lifted up their voice;
the floods lift up their roaring.
⁴ Mightier than the thunders of many waters,
mightier than the waves of the sea,
the Lord on high is mighty!

⁵ Your decrees are very trustworthy;
holiness befits your house,
O Lord, forevermore.

John 3:16-18 (NET)

For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world should be saved through him. 18The one who believes in him is not condemned. The one who does not believe has been condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.

https://youtu.be/APx3t8HNK0E

Listen to the above link … Second Chapter of Acts rendition of Psalm 93 (start at 2:00 minutes for the best part)!!