Combining the message of God’s word with faith brings about rest for our souls.

We are resting this weekend in the Bay Area. There is something very refreshing about getting away from the daily routine for the purpose of resting our earthly bodies.

It usually takes us a good 20 minutes to accept this gift (which seems too good to be true)! Then, we are off and running with rich conversation, great food, etc. There is an ease and comfort, especially when we revisit familiar vacay spots.

This passage speaks about being known by God. Expressed with the phrase “no creature is hidden from his sight”, refers to the One to whom we must give an account.

There is an urgency for us not to harden our hearts. In fact, “today”, seems about the right time to allow the word of God to pierce us. #notlater

Some wounds require lancing to heal properly. Similarly, our spiritual lethargy may need to be drained of an infectious festering splinter or old numbed up scar.

In other words, rest is not indifference. On the contrary, rest must be entered actively. We have to first reach out for it, be united through the Holy Spirit when we obey it through faith.

By pursuing it in faith, we will successfully see God accomplish His purpose for us. The “gospel” means good news. – Teresa #rest #inChrist #forGodsglory

Hebrews 4: 1-13 (ESV)

4 Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. ² For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.^[a] 3 For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said,

“As I swore in my wrath,
‘They shall not enter my rest,’”

although his works were finished from the foundation of the world. ⁴ For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.”⁵ And again in this passage he said,

“They shall not enter my rest.”

⁶ Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, ⁷ again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted,

“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts.”

⁸ For if Joshua had given them rest, God^[b] would not have spoken of another day later on. ⁹ So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, ¹⁰ for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.

¹¹ Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. ¹² For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ¹³ And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Teaching is a wonderful gift. Those who teach as a professional (or even homeschool) should be most honored. They establish our next generation like this very old tree, resistant to drought and disease.

Paul started the letter to Titus with an exhortation to silence “empty talkers and deceivers.” No doubt, there were some in the early church who failed to produce the fruit of a good life and instead wanted to prey on others (those with generous hearts) to their own advantage. #shamefulgain

While the majority of people in the church developed themselves and their walk with God to bless others, there were a few (even today) who look for the silver spoon.

How can we have discernment between those who are working their hearts out and those who are “working the crowd?”

I believe it used to be much easier to know people’s character. In today’s culture of mega-churches, we are at a disadvantage and must trust those in leadership. Can we know that those in charge are truly “practicing” good character qualities?

As we walk by faith, the fruit of those around us can be recognized (or not). Most importantly, when we see the fruit of our lives blessing others with a desire for honest improvement, we are properly humbled.

See the passage from I Corinthians below. Surprisingly, God chooses “foolish” things. But they are only foolish in the eyes of our “worldly” economy. -Teresa

#JesusourSavior #Hisglory #shinesthrough #the-weak #valuabletoHim

Titus 1:10-16 (ESV)

¹⁰ For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party.^[h]11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. ¹² One of the Cretans,^[i] a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”^[j]13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, ¹⁴ not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. ¹⁵ To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. ¹⁶ They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

I Corinthians 1:24-31 (KJV)

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

During the huge waves of a storm, who brings peace?

God is awesome, mighty and feared. His work brings awestruck wonder.

Yes, He is faithful!!

More than anything else, God’s faithfulness teaches us WHO we can trust.

My dad used to advise us, when we were kids, “Don’t believe anything you hear and only half of what you see!” (When it comes to mankind and the world)

Those things that God accomplishes, however, have always been nothing short of miraculous. #ChristJesusourbridegroom

People may fall short: companies fail employees, employees fail companies but what never fails is God’s faithfulness.

When my husband and I were engaged and planning our wedding, my dad was laid off (along with many other employees of the largest industry in our region).

Although my husband and I (as college students) had to pay for our wedding photographer, bouquets, invitations and clothes…our families and church community provided so much more toward our beautiful celebration. #food #wildlilacs #fountaincake #musicians #venue #rehearsaldinner #candidphotos #lovelygifts

We were blessed by all those who showed up from out of town, all the people who provided lodging for our guests (especially my mom who worked wonders) and the meaningful spiritual fellowship that occurred that weekend. #priceless- Teresa

Here are a few old photos/ memories

Psalm 89:5-9 (ESV)

⁵ Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord,
    your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!
⁶ For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord?
    Who among the heavenly beings^[b] is like the Lord,
⁷ a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones,
    and awesome above all who are around him?
⁸ O Lord God of hosts,
    who is mighty as you are, O Lord,
    with your faithfulness all around you?
⁹ You rule the raging of the sea;
    when its waves rise, you still them.

During my time in MN, I was encouraged by the many prayers of family and friends. Not only was I juggling my own needs but also the physical and psychological needs of mom. Those who are caregivers understand the weight of wanting to deliver reasonably on “their wishes” but staying in our own lane of health (by not overdoing it).

In helping the weak, we can see our own weakness reflected. Patience is key! When the challenges begin to block God’s love in our hearts, we must “let go and let God” have His way.

It’s not easy to see our loved ones choose paths that are hard. On the other hand, God is still there in the midst of even that.

Taking it one step further (to those in the world), how can we seek to do good for those who dish out evil? It means we are not bound up by revenge. Rejoicing under dire circumstances means we are trusting the ONE to whom our ceaseless prayers are directed. #grateful

It’s not the circumstances we find ourselves in that teach about God’s love but our heart’s response to those circumstances.

By holding fast to those things that are good, we can discern truth from the deceiver’s flute trying desperately to allure us from it.

I am grateful for each of our children as they speak truth even when my ideals want to draw a bold line. My ideals try separating out what “should be” from my what “should not be”. #wealwaysdoithisway

Holding fast to good means that we are not blocking God from having space in our own hearts. – Teresa #Hiswayisbest

1 Thessalonians 5:4-20 (ESV)

¹⁴ And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle,^[b] encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. ¹⁵ See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. ¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not despise prophecies, ²¹ but test everything; hold fast what is good. ²² Abstain from every form of evil.

Paul struggles for the new believers to be rooted and grounded in the love of God.

Why is this the basis of our faith? Without Christ Jesus the Lord, we would have no truly accurate picture of God’s love on earth.

Every other man, woman or child gives a flawed performance.

Truly, we have been forgiven but have we forgotten the sinful nature by refusing to cling to it?

Freedom means literally to be set free. That must occur at the deepest level of our identity.

I’ve been enjoying the Power of the Rings season 2 this month. As a fan of Tolkien, I find those who produced this series have done a great job (although a bit gory at times).

The symbolic “Lord” of the Rings, truly is a deceiver. How often do we fall prey to the lies? Even the youngest, the strongest and the bravest learned through the struggle that it was worthwhile to cling to the truth.

“God loves you” is the truth! Don’t forget His amazing gift to mankind. -Teresa

Colossians 2:1-6 (ESV)

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, ² that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ⁴ I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. ⁵ For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Alive in Christ

⁶ Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, ⁷ rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Troublemakers earn their reputation because they are no longer riding the fence. They actually jumped over, in order to conjure up evil plans.

Those riding the fence have a limited life. The act of balancing on a 1/2-inch surface takes all their energy.

How wonderful for those who choose the side of love, caring for themselves and others with wisdom.

I took a leadership class in seminary that emphasized the importance of leading our own self first by following God’s wisdom. Then, as we are entrusted with children, responsibility over others, even entrusted with our spiritual gift from the Holy Spirit, only then can we use it for good (not evil).

Don’t be a troublemaker. Don’t even get the reputation of one (by instigating evil plans with others.)

Instead, stay on the side of God’s wisdom, goodness and most of all…love ❤️. -Teresa

#everyleadermustfirstlearntofollowtrue❤️

Proverbs 24:8New Living Translation

⁸ A person who plans evil
    will get a reputation as a troublemaker.

Read full chapter

Doing what the Word of God reveals means that I truly heard its meaning and allowed it to take root in my heart.

Receiving it with meekness because of its power to save me, I have a whole different attitude toward listening to its timeless wisdom.

For a few years now, I have been working through a desperate struggle from my past, namely not feeling part of the “in” crowd. Maybe it started in grade school when I was always last to be picked for PE games. 🧐

Wherever this “inability to measure up” came from, I know that it’s driven me to strive extra hard in developing a team camaraderie wherever I am (at home, at work, in ministry). At times, I still feel left out. It becomes more than just a feeling when it affects my health, both physically and mentally. (aka perfectionist)

Ultimately, negative feelings may cause a cascade of bad emotion such as anger turned inward. “Why did I make that mistake”? or “I should not have listened to …”.

The passage below helped me to “hear” God’s heart. That is, if I take “right actions” vs. walk away and forget the truth, then I will be saved from self-anger. Lord, I realize that how you see me is pure love!! Help me to align my actions based on the truth in your Word.

I experienced three amazing blessings yesterday, yet I was surprised to wake up again today, “just not sure”. #amIlovedbytheFather

Your righteousness, Lord, is fully shining…my challenge is…letting the warmth of your love in! -Teresa #whatactionwillsetmefree? #listenup

James 1: 19-25 (ESV)
¹⁹ Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;²⁰ for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. ²¹ Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

²² But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ²³ For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. ²⁴ For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. ²⁵ But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

When the sky lights up, we are amazed at His glory. With the going out of the morning and the evening, we shout for joy!

Praise is due our God. Not only has Zion been the hope of the nation of Israel but it is the spiritual hope of the world. Israel has helped to point us to the glory of YHWH.

How has this great God-the Creator, Sustainer and Deliverer chosen to pursue a world determined to ignore Zion?

Those who trust in the God of Zion receive this refreshing rain and joyful harvest. In the Old Testament, this was represented physically as a suzerain vassal treaty.

In the New Testament, Paul describes the blessing of God as being grafted into the Olive Tree. This is only possible through the Messiah, Christ Jesus the LORD.

Our spiritual rest is beyond complete as the LORD has accomplished His amazing work for us to be born in Zion. Praise is due YOU, O LORD! – Teresa #bornagain #Nicodemus

Psalm 65:1-13 (ESV) (bold added for emphasis)

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. A Song.

65 Praise is due to you,^[a] O God, in Zion,
    and to you shall vows be performed.
² O you who hear prayer,
    to you shall all flesh come.
³ When iniquities prevail against me,
    you atone for our transgressions.
⁴ Blessed is the one you choose and bring near,
    to dwell in your courts!
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house,
    the holiness of your temple!

⁵ By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness,
    O God of our salvation,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
    and of the farthest seas;
⁶ the one who by his strength established the mountains,
    being girded with might;
⁷ who stills the roaring of the seas,
    the roaring of their waves,
    the tumult of the peoples,
⁸ so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs.
You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy.

⁹ You visit the earth and water it;^[b]
    you greatly enrich it;
the river of God is full of water;
    you provide their grain,
    for so you have prepared it.
¹⁰ You water its furrows abundantly,
    settling its ridges,
softening it with showers,
    and blessing its growth.
¹¹ You crown the year with your bounty;
    your wagon tracks overflow with abundance.
¹² The pastures of the wilderness overflow,
    the hills gird themselves with joy,
¹³ the meadows clothe themselves with flocks,
    the valleys deck themselves with grain,
    they shout and sing together for joy.Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Psalm 65:1 Or Praise waits for you in silence
2. Psalm 65:9 Or and make it overflow

The church was persecuted from the start, by Judaizers. Even Saul (whose name would be changed to Paul) was responsible for imprisoning those who believed that Jesus was the Christ (Messiah).

What a beautiful transformation to see one who was so angered by this teaching becoming a preacher of truth.

There are times when it is required to “ride the waves”, although it involves being buffeted around. We have no idea what God is doing in the lives of those who are being drawn to God. #Stephen

Through the process, we may be molded by the turbulence into a more caring and compassionate individual. When Christ taught His disciples to carry the soldier’s gear “more than” the required mile, He was emphasizing that those equipped for cruelty are disarmed by genuine kindness.

The kingdom of God is not intuitive to our worldly culture or natural human desires, it is decisively greater than.

Lord, give us the courage to live our lives with YOU foremost in our mind’s eye. You are great and deserve all the glory. -Teresa

Galatians 1:22-24 (ESV)

²² And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. ²³ They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” ²⁴ And they glorified God because of me.

Love is strong, love is fierce, love is a fire that burns through many waters.

A heart in love cannot be bought, instead it is sealed for life- for richer or for poorer.

I was thinking about the importance of faith this week. After watching “The Chosen” season 4, episode 4, we were impacted by the faith of the centurion (Gaius) in Jesus. How beautiful our simple faith is to God.

Then, I was reading I Corinthians 13 reminding me of that which is greater than faith…love. If I have enough faith to move a mountain but have not love, I am nothing.

I Corinthians 13: 2b (NIV)

…and if I have a faith

 that can move mountains,

 but do not have love, I am nothing.

Christ Jesus alone has the power to save us from the sin nature of our flesh but why would He pay the penalty owed for our sin? It had to be love!

The love of the Father flowed to the Son. Through the Holy Spirit we too have been empowered to love as He has loved.

It is not our faith that is the greatest but the gift of God through His Son, Christ Jesus that allows His love to be spread abroad in our hearts.- Teresa #brideofChrist #thechurch

Song of Solomon 8:6-7 (ESV)

⁶ Set me as a seal upon your heart,
    as a seal upon your arm,
for love is strong as death,
    jealousy^[m] is fierce as the grave.^[n]
Its flashes are flashes of fire,
    the very flame of the Lord.
⁷ Many waters cannot quench love,
    neither can floods drown it.
If a man offered for love
    all the wealth of his house,
    he^[o] would be utterly despised.