You cannot overfill this fountain because the fullness lends to an artistic illusion of flexible glass curtains. Even so, the root of Jesse is a signal for the peoples. Knowing Him, the nations will be given rest. Overflowing and abundant, the Savior also known as “the lion of the tribe of Judah” brings peace with His finished work.

Jesus Christ the Lord (from the lineage of David, Jesse’s son) did the hard work of salvation for every nation, tribe and people group. When His work was finished, He was given a place at the right hand of tbe Father. The holy trinity (ONE being, three persons), brings love to mankind through the redemption of sin. Are you being drawn to a right relationship with the Father today? The Holy Spirit (or comforter) is working to reveal spiritual truths to those who will call Jesus, Lord.

As we rest in this good news, we are also freed of our striving for good works. Knowing Him, keeps us aligned with His values so we can live Christlike. -Teresa #Sabbathrest #enterHisrest

Isaiah 11: 9, 10 (ESV) 9They shall not hurt or destroy
in all my holy mountain;
for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
10 In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations enquire, and his resting-place shall be glorious.

Going new car shopping, I did NOT realize how much joy I’d get from the bells and whistles. My husband said that my smile got bigger and bigger as the sales associate showed me all the things this car was programmed to do.

The passage below, thought to be written by Solomon, has some wisdom for us today. We are living in uncertain times. Those things that used to be “auto sensored” are no longer automatic. Many of the rules have changed. My exhortation is that we should “keep it steady”!

If we become distracted by watching the wind and clouds, then the important work (of sowing the seed and reaping the harvest) is lost. Keep it steady! I’m speaking of investing in our children and grandchildren for the sake of the kingdom. Money is an answer to many things temporally but love answers with an eternal impact.

If what is happening in high places becomes hysteria, then we should exercise our right to vote. Too much time spent brewing about it does not change the direction in which the tree will fall but it does affect how much bread we will cast (praying about it). Keep it steady!

Those who stay steady will be ready for that which is most important: to Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself!- Teresa #rememberyourCreator #inthedaysofyouryouth #bewise

Ecclesiastes 10:16-20 and 11:1-4 (ESV)

16 Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child,
and your princes feast in the morning!
17 Happy are you, O land, when your king is the son of the nobility,
and your princes feast at the proper time,
for strength, and not for drunkenness!
18 Through sloth the roof sinks in,
and through indolence the house leaks.
19 Bread is made for laughter,
and wine gladdens life,
and money answers everything.
20 Even in your thoughts, do not curse the king,
nor in your bedroom curse the rich,
for a bird of the air will carry your voice,
or some winged creature tell the matter.

Cast Your Bread upon the Waters

Chapter 11

1 Cast your bread upon the waters,
for you will find it after many days.
2 Give a portion to seven, or even to eight,
for you know not what disaster may happen on earth.
3 If the clouds are full of rain,
they empty themselves on the earth,
and if a tree falls to the south or to the north,
in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie.
4 He who observes the wind will not sow,
and he who regards the clouds will not reap.

I transplanted one of my “houseplants” last spring to our new front yard landscape. Amazingly, it survived the heatwaves in July and August. This morning, I noticed its glowing orange petals in the early dawn.

New hope makes us bold. Bold enough to share it with others. Rather than hide behind a veil of religious works, hardened in our hearts, we can turn to Christ Jesus the Lord and know His glory. He allows the veil to drop and starts to heal us from the inside out.

In the OR, the surgical staff drapes a patient to ensure no germ will enter the sterile field. In the same way, our Lord provides something better than a veil (of religious works). He actually drapes His love around us when He asks us to be devoted to His kingdom come and His will to be done. It is a new life with a glorious purpose.

“From glory to glory” is a phrase used in David Crowder’s song, Everything Glorious. It’s also used in this passage. When we reflect God’s glory, we are transformed. – Teresa #Christlike #caringforothers #vulnerabilitybringschange #freedomfromtheveil

P. S. Most importantly, the Spirit of the LORD brings freedom. His Spirit seals us with a deposit of God’s promise for redemption (buying us back to himself in the here and now) and resurrection (raising us up after death, not to be unclothed but clothed with a new body) Ephesians 1:13,14.

2 Corinthians 3:4 (ESV) 4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God

2 Corinthians 3:18-22 (ESV). 12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. 14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when one[c] turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord[d] is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord,[e] are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.[f] For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

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Footnotes

2 Corinthians 3:2 Some manuscripts your
2 Corinthians 3:3 Greek fleshly hearts
2 Corinthians 3:16 Greek he
2 Corinthians 3:17 Or this Lord
2 Corinthians 3:18 Or reflecting the glory of the Lord
2 Corinthians 3:18 Greek from glory to glory

Hiking to Vikingsholm on Emerald Bay yesterday, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the surroundings and of the structure there. Although my body is now a bit achy from the Rubicon Trail hike, my thoughts are reverberating with the brilliance of it. When asked if I would live there, I was sure of it!

In our wildest dreams, we cannot imagine the beauty and worth God sees in us. He provides a way for us to reconnect with Himself, on a strenuous hike called life. He provides a stronghold of protection for those who need a break from the storms, His one and only Son. He provides salvation from our sinful nature through the blood of Jesus Christ the LORD. When asked if you could live as a Christ follower, my prayer for all is to say “yes”!

Abiding in Christ leads to an abundant life and provides a place of refuge from the squalls. -Teresa #I’dratherhaveJesus #ashelterinthetimesofstorm #thepilgrim’sregressbyCSLewis

Psalm 37:34-40 (ESV). 34 Wait for the Lord and keep his way,
and he will exalt you to inherit the land;
you will look on when the wicked are cut off.
35 I have seen a wicked, ruthless man,
spreading himself like a green laurel tree.[a]
36 But he passed away,[b] and behold, he was no more;
though I sought him, he could not be found.
37 Mark the blameless and behold the upright,
for there is a future for the man of peace.
38 But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed;
the future of the wicked shall be cut off.
39 The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
40 The Lord helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.

I heard a statistic that 25% of young people (under 25 years of age) are feeling hopeless during this time of social isolation -hopeless enough to end their life. If this is you, I encourage you to reach out! Reach out to a medical professional (suicide hotline). Reach out to anyone on your phone contact who is a trusted friend (a friend who is worth their salt will spend quality time when asked). Reach out to your Creator (“soon to be King” David gives us an example in this passage below of how to approach God when life is bleak).

I’d like to share a personal story with the hope of encouraging some young person, somewhere. Shortly after I turned 15, I prayed a prayer that changed my life. Feeling hopeless about how I fit in socially, I asked God for His help. I said, “Lord, you know I will always trust you as my Savior and Lord (even if you don’t answer this request). What I’m asking, though, is that you show me (in a tangible way), that you are as involved today as you were in Bible-writing days. I mean, You appeared to those people in miraculous ways for a purpose- does this still apply today? If so, please show me. If you are indifferent to what we do now, I’m planning to look for closer friendships with those in the “world” vs. the church since I feel pretty hopeless. I would like to fit in somewhere- even if it means disobeying my parents. Amen.”

God answered my prayer with not only ONE miracle that summer (I had signed up for a summer project to tell other teenagers about Christ Jesus the LORD, through Teen Missions, INTL), but He showed up with THREE miracles. Each miracle was more convincing than the one before. I was fully assured, by the end of the summer, that God was working in my life at that moment, just as strongly as He did back in Bible times. I was also convinced that He knew me and my situation, personally. He spoke directly to the underlying need of my heart and filled it.

I implore you to remember that your life is not only precious but chosen by God. When you receive His Son, you are made holy through Christ’s provision on the cross. Do you “know” that He sees you-as one who is dearly loved? (Colossians 3:12)- Teresa ❤️

Psalm 34: 1-10. (ESV)

1 I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
10 The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

FootnotesPsalm 34:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet

While we worry and pray for those struggling with illness or pain, we are also blessed with daily joys along this path called life.

Just a few weeks ago, I was burned out and weeping. When the demands upon us are great (along with grieving the loss of those once loved), our emotions can be accentuated. We also realize we have limited resources to help those in need.

Then, we receive the kindness of a co-worker and a believer- those who can make us laugh even as we cry under the load we bear. Just knowing we have been heard or are worthwhile enough to speak to with compassion, will make the difference between weeping and joy.

Gaining courage from the human touch of others is what God uses to change our weeping to joy.

Because we are not perfect, we are free to rejoice in God’s mysterious loving ways. -Teresa

#cryforhelp #Hehearsandanswers #joyfullyaware

Psalm 30: 1-9 ( ESV)

Joy Comes with the Morning

A Psalm of David. A song at the dedication of the temple.

30 I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up
and have not let my foes rejoice over me.
2 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
and you have healed me.
3 O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;
you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.[a]
4 Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,
and give thanks to his holy name.[b]
5 For his anger is but for a moment,
and his favor is for a lifetime.[c]
Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning.

Romans 15:13 (ESV) 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Have you ever had a chance to experience the silver lining in a dark moment of life? For example, a young mom may dread the pains of labor. Yet afterwards, she looks back with pride on the ability to endure this agonizing feat. Once her baby is placed into her arms, she holds on with newfound strength surging throughout her body. It’s the promise of hope in a brand new life. Hope arises when God includes us in something great. His creation is always great!

Today, when we come to our Creator, we can hold onto the hope of His plan and purpose. When we embrace life, we have a joyful peace that the ONE who loves us will include us. -Teresa #morethanwecaouldaskorimagine

2 Chonicles 16:9 (ESV). 9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless[g] toward him.

When we honor those who are supported by God, we acknowledge that their heart is pure.

Over and over, God has blessed me with amazing people to work with. They speak into my life and help me to know that He is working in the midst of the struggles.

Sometimes they share their own journey and honor me with a chance to support them.

Other times they encourage me with their understanding of what God is doing in the midst of my own battles.

Together, we have the chance to acknowledge that God is on the throne in the simpleness of life.

Be encouraged to know that God sees you and loves you beyond all that you can ask or imagine.- ❤️ Teresa #eyeswideopen #thereisnoonelikeHIM

Adam is a type (or foreshadowing) of ONE to come, Jesus Christ the LORD. But unlike Adam’s singular act of disobedience, the Savior brought a powerful act of deliverance from sin’s curse.

If one wrong by the first created man caused the world so much pain, then one act of obedience by the life-giving Son of God restored joy through redemption and eternal life to all who recognize Him as Lord.

The sadness and desperation of the world today reminds me of mankind’s cursed state of condemnation. Instead, let’s focus on the ONE who brings life. Eternal life is to know Him, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. (John 17:3) #agapelove

When we know someone, it doesn’t mean we merely read about them on social media. It means we interact with them on a personal level.

Do you “know” Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? He created you and understands more about you than anyone else. He can touch the need of your heart in a very personal way. Fellowship is what He longs to have with us but we individually have a choice to accept or reject Him. What is your choice today? I urge you to cry out to Him.

Father God, thank you for your Son and our savior, Jesus Christ the LORD. I believe that He died on the cross for the penalty of my sin. I believe that he rose from the grave to the glory of God. I believe that he always lives to intercede for my sin: past, present and future. Please forgive me for the ways I have missed your mark of righteousness. I receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior today and trust that His shed blood brings forgiveness for my sin. Thank you for welcoming me into your family and for providing this right relationship with you. Amen.

Celebrate with praise and worship!!! Afterall, that’s what the angels in heaven do when one sinner repents (Luke 15:10)

This moment with each of you, is a sacred opportunity to love God with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.- Teresa #loverofmysoul #Jesus

Romans 5:12-21 (ESV). Death in Adam, Life in Christ

12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men[a] because all sinned— 13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.

15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

18 Therefore, as one trespass[b] led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness[c] leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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Footnotes

Romans 5:12 The Greek word anthropoi refers here to both men and women; also twice in verse 18
Romans 5:18 Or the trespass of one
Romans 5:18 Or the act of righteousness of one

Whatever we undertake in life, the challenges of walking in someone else’s shoes can be harder than we can imagine. We have no idea what issues or hardships have shaped that person (or dog). We may not realize what loving gesture or “helping sacrifice” may actually make things worst. If we give up there, I propose that we will forfeit our own growth and the opportunity to speak truth for others.

We need to tell others (in word or deed) that they are worthwhile. When we maintain a healthy boundary (yet forgive “snarls” and move on with acceptance), we are open to nurture the relationship again. Little do we understand how little sleep the young mom actually gets in a week. Little do we feel the anguish over not being treated well by those who were supposed to be caregivers. We cannot imagine the dear wife’s distress when her husband becomes a victim of systemic racism.

I just finished watching the movie (based on a true story), “Just Mercy”. It was beautiful to watch the human ability of a young lawyer channeling his grief, over his father’s unjust death, into accomplishing life-changing feats of justice for others. His gifting mixed with love allowed him to do extraordinarily courageous acts.

As I ponder the challenges of my own life, I have to ask- am I pouring love into my “right actions”? God is righteous and the best example of a righteous warrior. Whether our weapon is an argument of logic, backed by evidence or an ability to courageously fight against all odds, we must not grow weary in well- doing. God’s love describes His character and results in our singing thanks!- Teresa #shelteringrace #relationshipsmatter #beHisconduitoflove

Psalm 7: 10-17 (ESV) O righteous God!

10 My shield is with God,
who saves the upright in heart.
11 God is a righteous judge,
and a God who feels indignation every day.
12 If a man[d] does not repent, God[e] will whet his sword;
he has bent and readied his bow;
13 he has prepared for him his deadly weapons,
making his arrows fiery shafts.
14 Behold, the wicked man conceives evil
and is pregnant with mischief
and gives birth to lies.
15 He makes a pit, digging it out,
and falls into the hole that he has made.
16 His mischief returns upon his own head,
and on his own skull his violence descends.
17 I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness,
and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.