I really love the wildflowers that appear each spring on our side yard.

In this passage (below), Jesus was full of surprises as He addressed each of His disciples.

For Peter, not only was his weak flesh revealed but the Lord’s comfort towards him re: a future home in heaven, with Christ.

For Thomas, his need for cold, hard facts led to Christ’s startling claim to be the way, the truth and the life.

For Philip, who missed the boat entirely about who Jesus was (God’s Son) or more likely missed the understanding of how the Holy Trinity worked as 3-in-1, was given a disappointing scolding. One God (being) explained by Nabeel Qureshi (watch at 5:16), “three in person” -who was about to deliver His Holy Spirit.

All three of Jesus’ disciples were in for a surprise. Not only was the appearance of Jesus a miracle for the world (being God’s Son in human form), but He was God’s divine plan for humanity’s salvation. #propitiation

Jesus’ death, resurrection and authority over mankind’s eternal destiny was revealed in this passage.

The works of Jesus were unmatched by any other, especially in bringing Lazarus back to life (even after his sister’s mourned and his flesh had decomposed).

Bringing us from death to life is God’s plan. No longer will we be slaves to sin and death but made alive to God through faith in the risen Lord. #eternalife

Father, may we have eyes of faith today, surprised by your joy for us! – Teresa #CSLewis

John 13:36-14:11 (ESV)

³⁶ Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” ³⁷ Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” ³⁸ Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.

I Am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life

14 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;^[a] believe also in me. ² In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?^[b]3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. ⁴ And you know the way to where I am going.”^[c] 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” ⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.^[d] From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

⁸ Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” ⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ¹⁰ Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.¹¹ Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.

Last month, we attended a sunrise service on Easter, with our church. It was beautiful and memorable. When the sun rose, new hope warmed our souls.

When the Son of God (Jesus) arose from the grave, the world was given love with the hope of new life. This new life looked much different than the disciples had ever anticipated as they started the first church. #ActsoftheApostles

In this passage, David (who was anointed as king to replace the house of Saul) was filled with grief. He was forced to live apart from the community of Israel during this period of Saul’s insanity.

Anointed king (yet not yet ruling king), David lived in the wilderness like a renegade, yet true to God’s call. Jonathon was in no way envious of David but loved him as dearly as a brother.

Who has supported the calling of God on your life? Honor the one who has had no envy (or desire to be “over” you) but has spoken the words of truth and encouragement to your soul.

Keep God’s word between you and such a brother or sister. Who knows how future generations will be blessed by such bonds. #truelove #lastingfruit

-Teresa

I Samuel 20: 38-42 (ESV)

³⁸ And Jonathan called after the boy, “Hurry! Be quick! Do not stay!” So Jonathan’s boy gathered up the arrows and came to his master. ³⁹ But the boy knew nothing. Only Jonathan and David knew the matter. ⁴⁰ And Jonathan gave his weapons to his boy and said to him, “Go and carry them to the city.” ⁴¹ And as soon as the boy had gone, David rose from beside the stone heap^[f] and fell on his face to the ground and bowed three times. And they kissed one another and wept with one another, David weeping the most. ⁴² Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” And he rose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city.^[g]

In this passage (below), the prophet Samuel was displeased with how the children of Israel were conducting themselves. God helped him understand that the request of the people for a king was nothing more than their rejection of God.

As parents, we hope for our children to choose God over the cultural influences. Nevertheless, just as our Heavenly Father gave His people their wish, He also admonished them to understand what it would mean for their children’s children.

We are only one generation from forgetting the Kingship of God. Many families have followed after God’s ways for generations. There enters a weak link when faith in family or need of acceptance is stronger than surrendering to God’s will.

Thankfully, God has many spokespersons who have forsaken family of origin for their new family of God.

Samuel was dedicated to minister in God’s temple at an early age. He spoke with great authority from God’s heart.

Let us choose God’s will over loyalty to what the world says is best for family. Breaking from the mold is not easy but it ensures that our heart is for God first.

Jesus Christ is God’s chosen king! -Teresa

PS Enjoy this beautiful performance by Fantasia. She captures humility of heart with this prayer. “Have Your Way” (I’ve been reminded too, that His grace is sufficient in my weakness)

I Samuel 8: 5b-9 (NLT)

Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have.”

⁶ Samuel was displeased with their request and went to the Lord for guidance. ⁷ “Do everything they say to you,” the Lord replied, “for they are rejecting me, not you. They don’t want me to be their king any longer. ⁸ Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually abandoned me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. ⁹ Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about the way a king will reign over them.”

Our grandkids planted some carrots and were amazed when the green carrot top emerged from their playground sand. 🥕

Eventually, we dug them up and found that the one that was planted long enough had put all its energy into producing 6 new carrots!

When we go from spiritual death to life, we trust Jesus. In order to go from living by the rules of the flesh or the law (to control the flesh), we must receive HIS life as an atonement for sin. #bornagain

He became sin, who knew no sin. That we might become His righteousness.

Who would ever understand such tremendous love? (All the parents out there have some inkling about what this means- seeing our children prosper, sometimes includes giving beyond what we thought humanly possible).

Being a child of God comes at a great price. #divinelove

As much as we are willing to suffer for those called our children. Suffering “willy nilly” for everyone who puts on a despairing face is not what God has called us to.

Some feel empowered to give with abandon to those who have an appearance of being in need. God has asked us to use wisdom so we are not suffering for all the “scammers” out there who are trying to profit off of a righteous inheritance or blessing. #discernment

By trusting our spiritual gifting (or that of our spouse), we can help each other prosper in right living.

Many wealthy “appearing” people are also desperate and in need of the Savior’s touch, it may just mean having the right timing or approach as we faithfully live for Christ.

We don’t have to throw common sense out the window to understand pure joy, but we do need to trust our Savior with abandon. -Teresa #ministryaddictiondoesnotequalsoldoutforChrist

John 3: 3-21 (NLT)

⁵ Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.^[b] 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.^[c] 7 So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You^[d] must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”

⁹ “How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked.

¹⁰ Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? ¹¹ I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. ¹² But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? ¹³ No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man^[e] has come down from heaven. ¹⁴ And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, ¹⁵ so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.^[f]

¹⁶ “For this is how God loved the world: He gave^[g] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

¹⁸ “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. ¹⁹ And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. ²⁰ All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. ²¹ But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.^[h]”Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. 3:3 Or born from above; also in 3:7.
2. 3:5 Or and spirit. The Greek word for Spiritcan also be translated wind; see 3:8.
3. 3:6 Greek what is born of the Spirit is spirit.
4. 3:7 The Greek word for you is plural; also in 3:12.
5. 3:13 Some manuscripts add who lives in heaven. “Son of Man” is a title Jesus used for himself.
6. 3:15 Or everyone who believes will have eternal life in him.
7. 3:16 Or For God loved the world so much that he gave.
8. 3:21 Or can see God at work in what he is doing.

Majestic splendor is ascribed to the name (aka character) of the LORD. Tremble before His holy reign.

By establishing the earth (as Creator), He ensures that it will not be moved. His equitable and faithful reign causes the creation to sing out.

Only the Lord is both great and good. We must speak of His salvation and His glory. If we’re silent the rocks will cry out!!

Strength and beauty befit His house. The fields are exultant, with the trees singing for joy. The heavens declare His glory and the sea His might.

Fakery and idol worship leave us yearning for your authority, Lord, even for your truth.

Fill us with living water, to quench the thirst of our souls. -Teresa

#heavyweight #of glory #holy worship #sing anew song #ChristJesus #is faithful #in all of God’s house #to judge

Psalm 96

Worship in the Splendor of Holiness

96 Oh sing to the Lord a new song;
    sing to the Lord, all the earth!
² Sing to the Lord, bless his name;
    tell of his salvation from day to day.
³ Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous works among all the peoples!
⁴ For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
    he is to be feared above all gods.
⁵ For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
    but the Lord made the heavens.
⁶ Splendor and majesty are before him;
    strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

⁷ Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
⁸ Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    bring an offering, and come into his courts!
⁹ Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;^[a]
    tremble before him, all the earth!

¹⁰ Say among the nations, “The Lordreigns!
    Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved;
    he will judge the peoples with equity.”

¹¹ Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
    let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
¹²     let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
¹³     before the Lord, for he comes,
    for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness,
    and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Footnotes

1. Psalm 96:9 Or in holy attire

Plant-based cuisine

I’ve been trying some plant-based recipes (3 times per week). As much as I enjoy meat, this food makes me feel healthier.

Fulfillment can make us feel like we’re really living. It brings joy and helps us meet our goals.

This shows the power of the mind. A dream can fuel and encourage our ambitions.

When hope is deferred the heart is sick. Think of how the disciples felt when Jesus was crucified. They believed he was the Messiah, coming to deliver Israel (instead of from sin, they thought it was from Roman oppression).

Their hope was deferred when the stone was still in place on Saturday. Their hearts were sick. What joy awaited them on Easter Sunday when the tomb was found empty. Over 500 of his followers witnessed his appearance afterwards. It was a hope deferred but a dream fulfilled all at once. They were not yet delivered from Rome but fulfillment was attained on a greater level.

Our new nature is provided for through the Savior. The old things pass away and all things become new.

We can find resurrection life even in a sin sick world through Christ Jesus the LORD.

Of course, our earthly bodies won’t live forever but our inheritance which is kept in heaven for us will never perish.

Has your dream reached fulfillment? If not, maybe a heavenly perspective will help as we rejoice in His forgiveness of our sins. -Teresa #livinghope

Proverbs 13:12-14 (NLT)

¹² Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
    but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.

¹³ People who despise advice are asking for trouble;
    those who respect a command will succeed.

¹⁴ The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain;
    those who accept it avoid the snares of death.Read full chapter

1 Peter 1:3-5 (ESV)

Born Again to a Living Hope

[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, [5] who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

With the price of eggs rising again, some are thinking of alternative Easter activities for their kids (like dinosaur eggs). I prefer the real thing, like these beautiful eggs our neighbor brought over from her chicken coop.

There are certain things not meant for us. As believers in Christ Jesus we have a new way of navigating our earthly existence- namely faith. When fear or just plain boredom causes us to cling to earthly “goods” as a means of satisfying our deeper needs, then we can miss out on the valuable truth love holds for us.

This truth is that our life matters. Whether we are young, old, rich, poor, part of a big family or all alone, the truth is we are created in God’s image. By not rejecting that gift but embracing all He has for us, we can walk in His great love and purpose (aka the Kingdom of God).

Too often, the greed of worldly possessions or simply appetites that flare up from lacking purpose shipwrecks our inner peace.

Our enemies may not be actual giants in the land, instead they may be giants of pain in our lives. #Hedelivers

Being “set apart” for destruction was the way that God chose to deal with the invasive-like mildew that greed had over Achan’s heart. Set apart today those things not meant for you.

Choose that which is truly valuable- a trusting relationship with the Savior. His love was displayed during His life on the earth. His power was displayed when God raised him from the dead.

Life eternal starts today for all who accept Him as Savior and Lord. There is no greater purpose than to live for him. There is no greater love than to be accepted by God the Father on the basis of our faith in His Son. -Teresa #Godsproperty #ourdeliverance

Joshua 7:12b-15 (NLT) (bold added for emphasis)

For now Israel itself has been set apart for destruction. I will not remain with you any longer unless you destroy the things among you that were set apart for destruction.

¹³ “Get up! Command the people to purify themselves in preparation for tomorrow. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Hidden among you, O Israel, are things set apart for the Lord. You will never defeat your enemies until you remove these things from among you.

¹⁴ “In the morning you must present yourselves by tribes, and the Lord will point out the tribe to which the guilty man belongs. That tribe must come forward with its clans, and the Lord will point out the guilty clan. That clan will then come forward, and the Lord will point out the guilty family. Finally, each member of the guilty family must come forward one by one. ¹⁵ The one who has stolen what was set apart for destruction will himself be burned with fire, along with everything he has, for he has broken the covenant of the Lord and has done a horrible thing in Israel.”

This picture was taken a few years ago on the week of my birthday. For some reason, I usually equate a nature get-away with a great way to celebrate. It serves as a way to break up and scatter my responsibilities or a way to lighten some of the burdens of life.

This year, I felt inspired to gather my family around. We didn’t go anywhere for our “get-away” but gathered near to those loved ones whom God has blessed us with.

In this passage, some wanted to test Jesus, looking for a sign from heaven for their own “profit”. In turn, Jesus taught them to examine their motives. Rather than play into their human logic, He was able to teach them a heavenly truth.

Those who gather with Him are for His coming kingdom (stronger than the mightiest status quo). Wow! If we could comprehend what the Kingdom of God will do, then no longer would we be playing “chess” with our Creator and Redeemer.

It is by grace you have been saved through faith… (Ephesians 2:8.9). How can we not be amazed at God’s great power through His gift to the world through His Son.

I was startled to see a post about a Netflix series called “Adolescence”. It was shocking to examine the use of emojis to change cultural word meanings in order to convey debased thinking. What a trick of Satan to snag the minds of our nation’s bright future.

Those who gather their loved ones are less at risk. The only sure outcome for navigating a life path full of proverbial traps is choosing the narrow way. This starts by trusting Jesus as Savior and LORD.

Gathering with Him, is a gift that keeps on giving. He rescues us daily, hourly, minute by minute as we turn to Him. Being in a right relationship means we are no longer alone. – Teresa #mercy #love #acceptance

Luke11:14-24 (ESV)

Jesus and Beelzebul

¹⁴ Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled. ¹⁵ But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons,” ¹⁶ while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. ¹⁷ But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.¹⁸ And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. ¹⁹ And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. ²⁰ But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. ²¹ When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; ²² but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil.²³ Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

Just as these beautiful birds were all lined up, plumped under their feathers and soaking up the sun, even so we can be an authentic voice but not everyone may see us as that or even hear the true message spoken.

Jesus not only spoke the message of God’s deliverance but gave a visual aid when the man was delivered from a legion of demons. Those from the surrounding country came out and witnessed the miracle.

Instead of accepting Jesus for who He was (Son of the Most High God), the people cast him away by asking Him to leave. Why? Because they were filled with great fear.

Are we more fearful of a legion of demons or of the power of God to deliver us?

Truly, God is able to deliver us from the curse of sin through His Son, Christ Jesus the Lord.

The man who was delivered yearned to stay close to Jesus but Jesus sent him away, for a greater purpose. He was the messenger that the people could listen to and understand. For this powerful display was from a good God. The delivered man declared how much Jesus had done for him, throughout the city.

When we are sent away, it may not be easy. In fact, it may be downright lonely. However, the messenger sent to this hometown city may be you. Are you willing to declare how much God has done for you? -Teresa

Luke 8:33-39 (ESV)

³³ Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned.

³⁴ When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country.³⁵ Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. ³⁶ And those who had seen it told them how the demon-possessed^[c] man had been healed. ³⁷ Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. ³⁸ The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying,³⁹ “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Luke 8:26 Some manuscripts Gadarenes; others Gergesenes; also verse 37
2. Luke 8:27 Greek he; also verses 38, 42
3. Luke 8:36 Greek daimonizomai (demonized); elsewhere rendered oppressed by demons

P.S. it’s my 13th year anniversary on WordPress!!

Dear Lord, please help me to speak the message of your goodness for many more years. -Teresa

By taking care of the earth and watering it, God abounds in goodness for mankind.

This collage of pictures includes several points of beauty that I witnessed this past week.

Whether it’s my potted orchid plant, my grandson next to the creek or my husband and I enjoying our hike- everything seems to radiate with this joy of provision and bountiful harvest.

Rich provision comes when the soil is softened by the rain. The rain melts the clods, levels the ridges and allows the bounty of growth.

With my heart (when it becomes hardened), I recognize not wanting endless rain melting me. It may involve messy tears, uncomfortable anxiety, endless time alone in the wilderness with God.

Afterwards, however, I’m always grateful for the Father’s rich provision. #Hiswayisbest

The reality of abundant crops multiplying for His kingdom makes me want to shout and sing for joy.

God is in the business of blessing the world with abundance. But, are we willing to be part of His plan? -Teresa #losingmyselftogainHim #treasure

Psalm 65:9-13 (NLT)

⁹ You take care of the earth and water it,
    making it rich and fertile.
The river of God has plenty of water;
    it provides a bountiful harvest of grain,
    for you have ordered it so.
¹⁰ You drench the plowed ground with rain,
    melting the clods and leveling the ridges.
You soften the earth with showers
    and bless its abundant crops.
¹¹ You crown the year with a bountiful harvest;
    even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.
¹² The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture,
    and the hillsides blossom with joy.
¹³ The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep,
    and the valleys are carpeted with grain.
    They all shout and sing for joy!