This memory from when our kids were in high school reminds me of my husband’s passion for mountain climbing.

There were several adventures that he embarked on with various athletic people. On one particular excursion, he was reminded how even one misstep by anyone in the party could mean demise for everyone.

In the body of Christ (the church), we are part of a living and breathing organism, dependent on the head (Christ Jesus the Lord). The Holy Spirit indwells each believer in the body, sealing them for the day of redemption.

By keeping in step with the Spirit, we are united in the advance of God’s kingdom and purpose on earth. Lord, help us to avoid conceit and anything that breaks our unity with You.

The desires of the flesh are opposed to those of the Spirit. Whenever the law is at the helm, we are emboldening the flesh and plenty of missteps can happen.

Whenever our Lord, Christ Jesus, is at the helm we are reminded of the crucifixion. Yes, His suffering for our forgiveness puts it all in perspective. It is not my puny works of righteousness but His death, burial and resurrection that seal my salvation.

How willing am I to yield myself to such a selfless love? Which begs the question, how will the world know we are Christians? They will know it by our love for one another in the church, worldwide.

Let’s keep in step today (with the Spirit) because the watching “world” is waiting for a reason more compelling than law bound, intellectual arguments to be saved. -Teresa #heartofGod #John3:16

Galatians 5: 16-26 (ESV)

Keep in Step with the Spirit

¹⁶ But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. ¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, ²¹ envy,^[a]drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do^[b] such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ²⁴ And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

²⁵ If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Galatians 5:21 Some manuscripts add murder
2. Galatians 5:21 Or make a practice of doing

We saw the rabbit on our way to coffee but there was no sign of him on the walk back, only a coyote on the hunt!

While visiting mom this past week, she asked me this, “how do I know who to trust?” My answer was: “you raised us right, mom. Your children are not criminals.”

Those who trust the Lord with all their hearts by acknowledging him -will be given direction.

Ask someone you trust when unsure of life’s direction. Those who listen to wily coyotes (aka those who tickle their ears), may end up as a choice morsel.

Many of us learned this from Saturday morning cartoons. Anymore, the professors and teachers of the highly intelligent are winning over those with a deeper need. This need to “belong” is so great that it woos them into a web of lies.

Human understanding can get us so far but the leap of faith is what decides our eternal destiny. (Read C.S.Lewis’s first book after his conversion to illustrate this point, “The Pilgrim’s Regress”)- be sure to get the annotated version to explain some of his complex language describing various worldviews. #scholar

All week I had to ask God for strength, direction and His love to guide me. The culmination of His answer came when I prayed in my hotel room (the last morning at the Marriott), listening to Chris Tomlin’s “Good, good Father”. God the Father gave me an understanding of how much I was loved. The amazing “turn around” I experienced brought me out of heart-wrenching grief to joy and peace, making me grateful beyond all measure.

We may not always understand why things happen the way they do but we can trust our Father’s heart of love. – Teresa

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

[5] Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. [6] In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Sometimes we must partake in a bountiful feast to remember that refreshing comes from God.

He created us, He understands that our constitution is fragile (but dust), yet He has loved mankind in an amazing way. Even the spirit world is in awe of God’s treatment of mankind, allowing redemption for His eternal home (Isaiah 52: 13-15).

What brings God glory? Have you ever heard someone praise God when they just found out they have terminal cancer? Their brokenness and desire to weep as David did, fully drenching their bed with their tears brings glory to God.

Why? Because they know how valuable their life is to Him. Their faith buoys my soul with grateful longing to also value my life.

Maybe what you are facing this week is hard, to the point of death. Remember to value the gift of life you’ve been given. Without it, you would not have an opportunity for eternal redemption.

His love pursues us in amazing ways. It is pure and from the heart of desire- buying us back for His glory. -Teresa

Song of Solomon 2:16,17 (NLT)

¹⁶ My lover is mine, and I am his.
    He browses among the lilies.
¹⁷ Before the dawn breezes blow
    and the night shadows flee,
return to me, my love, like a gazelle
    or a young stag on the rugged mountains.^[f]

Isaiah 52:13-15 (ESV)

He Was Pierced for Our Transgressions[13] Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted. [14] As many were astonished at you— his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind— [15] so shall he sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths because of him, for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand.

Jesus said that at the end of the age, God will separate the sheep from the goats. Those who don’t recognize Christ (the goats) have been blinded by the “god” of this world. They don’t hear the shepherd’s voice. The shepherd is…God’s glorious Son, Christ Jesus the Lord.

The fragile shell of our human body may not be glorious, in fact it may crack under pressure. The good news (although hidden from those on the broad path to destruction) is that God’s glorious treasure is found within all who are chosen by Him. #sheep

We have a pastoral print in our dining room picturing sheep grazing peacefully on a hillside. Occasionally, my husband will look at it and say “you’re beautiful”. It reminds us of the shepherds in New Zealand who care tenderly for their flocks, even speaking to each individually-calling them beautiful. That’s how God sees each one of us. We may be in need of a shepherd but we also have the capacity to know His voice. #faith

Thankfully, Paul never gave up speaking about this good news, the gospel. It was a ministry of love that was all-consuming. Paul himself describes it as God’s merciful way, having experienced its transforming power on the road to Damascus.

Instead of murdering the Christians, Paul became one of them. #theway

If you’re feeling fragile today, remember Paul’s example and let the light of God’s treasure shine through. -Teresa

#forHisglory

2 Corinthians 4:1-7 (NLT)

Treasure in Fragile Clay Jars

4 Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way,^[a] we never give up. ² We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.

³ If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. ⁴ Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

⁵ You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake. ⁶ For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.

⁷ We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.^[b] This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

Footnotes

1. 4:1 Or ministry.
2. 4:7 Greek We now have this treasure in clay jars.

I took this picture before sunrise last week. It shows the sunlight in the east but also how torched our iris plants are after a long summer. They endured the brunt of the western sun during the heat and long summer days.

Radiant purple iris flowers are the first of our garden to show God’s glory each spring (see pic below). In the same way, Christ was first in a great harvest of those being resurrected for God’s glory.

Everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life!! #resurrection

Because Christ Jesus the LORD conquered all his enemies (the last being death), we can trust in Him. #spiritualbirth

As we walk in the newness of life, today becomes another chance to be a witness for Him. #Christinme

Eventually, our physical bodies will feel no more pain or tears or sadness. In the meantime, let us remember our Savior who is a kind of first fruit showing us how to live. (James 1:18) #intruth

When we take off the old and put on the new, we can indeed reflect the first of the harvest while still in our earthly bodies (Colossians 3:5-17). -Teresa #grateful

1 Corinthians 15:20-26 (NLT)

²⁰ But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.

²¹ So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. ²² Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. ²³ But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.

²⁴ After that the end will come, when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power.²⁵ For Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet. ²⁶ And the last enemy to be destroyed is death. 

Colossians 3:5-17 ESV (bold added)

[5] Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. [6] On account of these the wrath of God is coming. [7] In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. [8] But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. [9] Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices [10] and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. [11] Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.

[12] Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, [13] bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. [14] And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. [15] And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. [17] And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

James 1:18 (ESV)

[18] Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

This verse really struck me today, as I’ve spent much time over the past month convincing mom that her boyfriend is telling her “stories”.

We would circle back to the truth of her accident, long recovery and finally being “home” again. How delighted she was to see her boyfriend when she was back at her apartment. They both uttered, “I love you’s”, with tears of joy.

Today, she called to tell me of their “move in” date. I responded with, “I’m so glad you’re home mom”. Outside her window is the church with a school for the children. She loves the view and it helps ground her.

Where do we keep our gaze fixed? Is it on the truth or does it stray to a “fake” story that tickles our fancy?

Common sense means it may not always “feel good” but it is the right thing to do.

In Star Camp this week (aka VBS for my grandchildren), I asked the question, “what does ‘love’ look like”? They gave some of the cutest answers- usually ending with kisses and hugs.

When I suggested that another form of love is “discipline” (The Lord disciplines the one He loves- Hebrews 12:6), they could not comprehend this. How could someone who loves them not treat them to all their favorite things? Or let them do what they want?

One of my co-workers gave me this advice (when my kids were in their “difficult” years), “I discipline them so the law doesn’t have to.”

To be a disciple is to learn something. We can also be discipled, even as those who loved their Rabbi were willing to be taught.

Lord, please give me a spirit of willingness to endure those things that are allowed though your hand- experiences that are hard but will also make me stronger. I want to learn and know your life in me. -Teresa #truth

Proverbs 22:16 (NLT)

¹⁶ The person who strays from common sense
    will end up in the company of the dead.

Yes, I was exhausted (as you can see on the last flight out of O’Hare), but God granted safe passage home.

Taking care of mom (with my sister) during this past month of surgery, rehab and transition back to her home (ALF)- showed me how fragile I am.

Physically, as we age, there is so much to think about. Not just for those we provide care for- but for myself, in particular.

At what point do we have to recognize that our own oxygen mask was not applied first? I saw it, through the words of three people who care about me.

Ezra was fully qualified to take on the God-given challenge of bringing the exiles home (from Babylon) to rebuild the city and the temple in Jerusalem. He was given authority to re-establish the worship of God. According to Trust in the Bible.com, “Ezra’s leadership and dedication to the restoration of Jerusalem and the religious practices of the Jewish people were instrumental in shaping the future of Judaism. His contributions in rebuilding the temple, implementing religious reforms, and teaching and interpreting the law had a lasting impact on the Jewish faith.”

Would Ezra trust God to provide safe passage when the way seemed right? I too have had to continue my prayer of, “I believe”, for things I have no control over.

My question now is, am I over-stepping my own warning signs? Believe God first, but remember God gives you a community to complete the process. He is able to accomplish all His will and good pleasure (not just for those we serve but for ourselves as well). – Teresa #community #faith #recognizeHim

Ezra 8:21-9:15New Living Translation

²¹ And there by the Ahava Canal, I gave orders for all of us to fast and humble ourselves before our God. We prayed that he would give us a safe journey and protect us, our children, and our goods as we traveled. ²² For I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen^[a] to accompany us and protect us from enemies along the way. After all, we had told the king, “Our God’s hand of protection is on all who worship him, but his fierce anger rages against those who abandon him.” ²³ So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer.

There are moments when all becomes clear. I would say in this passage below that Manasseh had a “come to Jesus moment.” (Pre-incarnate Christ that is)

The Lord can move on our behalf but are we willing to humble ourselves and ask for help?

I’ve had several of those moments over the past few weeks. Stressed out is not even adequate to describe the overwhelming feelings I experienced yesterday, transporting mom from Rehab back to ALF.

Gratefully, many were praying for us and I survived to write another blog!

If it were not for Jesus-our true advocate, Savior and friend, none of us would survive the world system.

The Lord brought Manasseh back from utter humiliation and bondage. Have we truly sought out the God of our ancestors?

He has provided a way for one involved in the most serious rebellion to be brought out of bondage into the freedom of trusting His Lordship. -Teresa #ChristJesustheLord

2 Chronicles 33:1-13 (NLT)

Manasseh Rules in Judah

33 Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. ² He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, following the detestable practices of the pagan nations that the Lord had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites. ³ He rebuilt the pagan shrines his father, Hezekiah, had broken down. He constructed altars for the images of Baal and set up Asherah poles. He also bowed before all the powers of the heavens and worshiped them.

⁴ He built pagan altars in the Temple of the Lord, the place where the Lord had said, “My name will remain in Jerusalem forever.” ⁵ He built these altars for all the powers of the heavens in both courtyards of the Lord’s Temple. ⁶ Manasseh also sacrificed his own sons in the fire^[c] in the valley of Ben-Hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and he consulted with mediums and psychics. He did much that was evil in the Lord’s sight, arousing his anger.

⁷ Manasseh even took a carved idol he had made and set it up in God’s Temple, the very place where God had told David and his son Solomon: “My name will be honored forever in this Temple and in Jerusalem—the city I have chosen from among all the tribes of Israel. ⁸ If the Israelites will be careful to obey my commands—all the laws, decrees, and regulations given through Moses—I will not send them into exile from this land that I set aside for your ancestors.” ⁹ But Manasseh led the people of Judah and Jerusalem to do even more evil than the pagan nations that the Lord had destroyed when the people of Israel entered the land.

¹⁰ The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they ignored all his warnings. ¹¹ So the Lordsent the commanders of the Assyrian armies, and they took Manasseh prisoner. They put a ring through his nose, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon. ¹² But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. ¹³ And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request. So the Lord brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the Lord alone is God!

Footnotes

1. 32:5 Hebrew the millo. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.
2. 32:18 Hebrew in the dialect of Judah.
3. 33:6 Or also made his sons pass through the fire.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Psalm 20: 1-5 (NLT)

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

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

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

Footnotes

1. 20:2 Hebrew Zion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Romans 5:6-11 (NLT)

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