During my recent visit to Minnesota, I was blessed to spend some quality time with mom. There is one thing that has really impressed me about her- a joyful heart first thing in the morning.

Despite age, hard circumstances or worldly concerns she wakes up ready to face the day with energy. In fact, I’m sure to set an alarm in order to be as “ready” for the day as her!

My coffee in hand, I would walk to her place and we’d walk back to the hotel for a lovely continental breakfast. That was only a year ago, I happened to spend a night at the same place this year and the young man who watches over the breakfast buffet remembered her with delight.

This year, I’d meet her after her breakfast but would usually bring a “treat” (like a Pannekoeken) for her and her boyfriend. They both enjoy watching TV in her apartment (or his, depending on the day).

When we returned from our shopping (or an appointment) closer to dinner time, she would be especially happy to get back “home” to see him.

Her joyful heart in spite of circumstances is good medicine. There are times for all of us when our spirit feels crushed. Dried up bones are the specialty of our God.

I was thinking especially of Ezekiel’s vision regarding the valley of dry bones. God made those bones come back to life!

In our family’s story, it was when my brother died tragically at age 28. It was enough for all of us to feel dried up for a very long time. I was especially touched by this loss, learning the importance to work through it at a “grief seminar” in Hooper Bay, AK. It was hosted by an Ojibwe couple, Art and Elizabeth Holmes.

Art was older and wiser than most and addressed the elephant in the room (the tragic suicide rate amongst the Inuit young people). He spoke to the importance of taking time to grieve the losses as a whole for their culture. By addressing this and acknowledging what had happened over the years, he opened everyone’s heart with wisdom that can only be found in the house of mourning. He pointed us to the comfort of the Scriptures and the love of God for the Native American young people in particular.

I opened my heart as well in spite of this buried pain to take time and mourn my personal loss, to acknowledge the grief and walk through it. It was a safe place with God’s wisdom present. Our pastor had also accompanied us on this trip (Pastor Ron Mancini). He was another elder who later that same year helped me decide to attend seminary by convincing me to open my heart to the Covenant Church doctrine that women are able to lead as evidenced throughout the Bible. There are many who bring good medicine through their examples and their words.

Lord, help us to share your joy with others as good medicine. In those places of dried bones please speak your Spirit of life again. Heal those who are crushed so that you may be praised again among the nations. – Teresa

Proverbs 17:22English Standard Version

²² A joyful heart is good medicine,
    but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Read full chapter

Ezekiel 37:11-24 ESV

[11] Then he said to me, “Son of man, these bones are for the whole house of Israel. Behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are indeed cut off.’ [12] Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will bring you into the land of Israel. [13] And you shall know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people. [14] And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the LORD.”

I Will Be Their God; They Shall Be My People

[15] The word of the LORD came to me: [16] “Son of man, take a stick and write on it, ‘For Judah, and the people of Israel associated with him’; then take another stick and write on it, ‘For Joseph (the stick of Ephraim) and all the house of Israel associated with him.’ [17] And join them one to another into one stick, that they may become one in your hand. [18] And when your people say to you, ‘Will you not tell us what you mean by these?’ [19] say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I am about to take the stick of Joseph (that is in the hand of Ephraim) and the tribes of Israel associated with him. And I will join with it the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, that they may be one in my hand. [20] When the sticks on which you write are in your hand before their eyes, [21] then say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will take the people of Israel from the nations among which they have gone, and will gather them from all around, and bring them to their own land. [22] And I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. And one king shall be king over them all, and they shall be no longer two nations, and no longer divided into two kingdoms. [23] They shall not defile themselves anymore with their idols and their detestable things, or with any of their transgressions. But I will save them from all the backslidings in which they have sinned, and will cleanse them; and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

[24] “My servant David shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd. They shall walk in my rules and be careful to obey my statutes.

This wonderful photo was taken when we were young married’s (in our 20’s). Our best “couple” friends were in their 60’s! Yup, that’s who we spent our socialization time with. There was really no distinction between us despite being 2 generations apart.

Traveling together (staying at the same hotel), playing board games, attending events like family reunions, buying fruit at the orchards, baking or talking together and mostly eating together were some of our happiest memories at that time of life.

Too often we get caught up in only mixing with our own age group or people who are “like” us. This passage reminds us to follow God’s leading when choosing where to go and who to socialize with. God does not distinguish between race, class, creed or age. In fact, He reminds us to think outside of the box.

Peter’s theology was tested and a new thing was happening. Peter’s faith in God took him beyond his own narrow limits. Through obedience, Peter was blessed and used by God to bless a whole household who were looking for Him.

Fearing God is a theme in this passage. When we stand in reverence of Him, we can be assured that His kingdom will come and His will be done. Lord, it is in you that we live and move and have our being. -Teresa

Acts 10:1-23 (ESV)

10 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, ² a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God.³ About the ninth hour of the day^[a] he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” ⁴ And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. ⁵ And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. ⁶ He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” ⁷ When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, ⁸ and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Peter’s Vision

⁹ The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour^[b] to pray. ¹⁰ And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance ¹¹ and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. ¹² In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. ¹³ And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” ¹⁴ But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” ¹⁵ And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” ¹⁶ This happened three times, and the thing was taken up at once to heaven.

¹⁷ Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate ¹⁸ and called out to ask whether Simon who was called Peter was lodging there. ¹⁹ And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. ²⁰ Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation,^[c] for I have sent them.” ²¹ And Peter went down to the men and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?” ²² And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” ²³ So he invited them in to be his guests.

The next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him.Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Acts 10:3 That is, 3 p.m.
2. Acts 10:9 That is, noon
3. Acts 10:20 Or accompany them, making no distinction

Acts 17:22-34 (ESV)

Paul Addresses the Areopagus

[22] So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. [23] For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. [24] The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, [25] nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. [26] And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, [27] that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, [28] for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’ [29] Being then God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. [30] The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, [31] because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

[32] Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” [33] So Paul went out from their midst. [34] But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.

My chromes are reflecting the residential speed limit in the beautiful neighborhood we walk through every Saturday.

In life, there are accurate reflections and there are distorted reflections. When someone has an accusatory tone, the truth more often than not, gets distorted.

In this passage, Stephen (the deacon), is full of courage and boldness. He was known for his good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom.

The men from the synagogues could not stand up to the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. In other words, they were afraid of losing power as many priests were turning to Christ.

In response, they rounded up some accusers (men who sounded very convincing). They said things that would stir up the people against Stephen. They wanted to stir them up enough to stone him.

The Bible reminds us that Satan is the accuser of the brethren. No wonder this tactic was used against Stephen with such vehemence.

Stephen’s face became angelic. God’s Spirit was greatly upon him, shining forth even in the midst of persecution.

One way to discern truth is to notice the tone. If it’s full of accusations, then it may be a distorted version of reality (aka lies).

What can we take away from this great example of Stephen? Having a mind centered on the Spirit gives us strength and wisdom in dealing with falsehood. -Teresa

Acts 6:1-14 (ESV)

Seven Chosen to Serve

6 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists^[a] arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. ² And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. ³ Therefore, brothers,^[b] pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. ⁴ But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” ⁵ And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.⁶ These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.

⁷ And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Stephen Is Seized

⁸ And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. ⁹ Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. ¹⁰ But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. ¹¹ Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” ¹² And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, ¹³ and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law,¹⁴ for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” ¹⁵ And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Acts 6:1 That is, Greek-speaking Jews
2. Acts 6:3 Or brothers and sisters

Revelation 12:10 (ESV)

[10] And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.

When I had to agree that my beautiful red rose bush was gone (Abraham Lincoln), I lamented having to cut it down to the soil level. Most of the root fell out, rotten in my hand. What I did not foresee was a whole new plant “appearing” about 2 feet away and blooming red roses. I bought two trellises and slowly trained it to climb.

Sometimes, when we think all is lost, God is re-creating. He foresees the purpose that will bring Him the greatest glory. A purpose that is also for our good. In the moment it may not feel good. It may feel like death or loss, hours of grieving.

This passage reflects that type of joy for the disciples. John finally believed what Jesus said when he saw for himself the empty tomb. Thomas could not deny it was the risen LORD when asked to touch his wounded hands and side.

More than that, Jesus knew that each of us (who had never seen him in person) would also be full of joy when we believed. Why? Because physical seeing is NOT believing but Spiritual insight is. When the Holy Spirit draws us to the Father, we can SEE it clearly. It becomes evident by how strong and powerful the love of God is.

Christ Jesus the Lord is the one who makes it evident. His amazing love for us erases all the questions and doubts. He allows our lives to bloom again. Are you willing to die relationally to the old self (like Christ did physically) and be alive in a wonderful relationship with the One who loves you, unconditionally?

Read this passage and ask God to show you. He is a good Father. – Teresa #eternalife #knowHim #unionwithChristmeanslife

John 20:26-31 (ESV)

²⁶ Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” ²⁸ Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” ²⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The Purpose of This Book

³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; ³¹ but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

My mantra over the years has been “data driven best practice”. Even this morning on our walk I used that phrase!

When I participated in the medical weight management program (through Kaiser Permanente), our class was very motivated to follow MD orders (the fact was that it happened to be one of the doctors who had worked on our telemetry unit at the hospital). Needless to say, I was focused on improving my heart health.

The passage below, about Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit to those who love him, reminds us to “keep his words.” Following our great physician is only possible because He has made a home in our hearts.

Jesus said “Let not your hearts be troubled” and “Peace be with you.”

Being loved by the Father has opened a way for peace with God through Christ Jesus. As we remember his sacrifice how can we not be in awe of what God has done on behalf of mankind?

Thank you, Lord, for unlocking the door so that we might partake of your forgiveness and peace.

Please make my heart your home. -Teresa

John 14:15-31 (ESV)

¹⁵ “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. ¹⁶ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,^[a] to be with you forever, ¹⁷ even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be^[b] in you.

¹⁸ “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. ¹⁹ Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. ²⁰ In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.²¹ Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” ²² Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?”²³ Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. ²⁴ Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.

²⁵ “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. ²⁶ But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.²⁸ You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. ²⁹ And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. ³⁰ I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, ³¹ but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. John 14:16 Or Advocate, or Counselor; also 14:26; 15:26; 16:7
2. John 14:17 Some manuscripts and is

Jeremiah 8:22 (NIV)

Is there no balm in Gilead?

  Is there no physician there?

Why then is there no healing

  for the wound of my people?

Mark 2:16-17 (ESV)

[16] And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” [17] And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

What a prayer for Israel in this Psalm (v. 9)- He is their help and shield. And for ALL who fear the Lord, trust in Him!

It is tempting to trust the latest trending shorts or the news of financial hot markets. Instead, God’s word tells us to trust in the LORD.

What is the difference between inanimate objects or trends and a God who has made all that lives and breathes?

Those who create inanimate objects become like them (even AI appears to be living and breathing but is nothing more than a hologram).

God who creates and sustains life is worthy of our trust. His character is steadfast love and faithfulness-aka trustworthy.

Reflecting on the nation of Israel being first (chosen as God’s people to bless the world), we can rejoice at the beauty of this nation. Although their rejection of Jesus Christ as Messiah means salvation for the Gentiles, what will their eventual acceptance of the gospel mean?

Our job is to praise the Lord and to bless Him from now until forever.

As children of man, we should trust in the creator of mankind. Take time today to speak these words with all sincerity, “I trust you, Lord.”- Teresa #enjoy (I attached 25 pics from my media library below)

Psalm 115: 1-18 (ESV) bold added

To Your Name Give Glory

115 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory,
    for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

² Why should the nations say,
    “Where is their God?”
³ Our God is in the heavens;
    he does all that he pleases.

⁴ Their idols are silver and gold,
    the work of human hands.
⁵ They have mouths, but do not speak;
    eyes, but do not see.
⁶ They have ears, but do not hear;
    noses, but do not smell.
⁷ They have hands, but do not feel;
    feet, but do not walk;
    and they do not make a sound in their throat.
⁸ Those who make them become like them;
    so do all who trust in them.

⁹ O Israel,^[a] trust in the Lord!
    He is their help and their shield.
¹⁰ O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord!
    He is their help and their shield.
¹¹ You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord!
    He is their help and their shield.

¹² The Lord has remembered us; he will bless us;
    he will bless the house of Israel;
    he will bless the house of Aaron;
¹³ he will bless those who fear the Lord,
    both the small and the great.

¹⁴ May the Lord give you increase,
    you and your children!
¹⁵ May you be blessed by the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth!

¹⁶ The heavens are the Lord’s heavens,
    but the earth he has given to the children of man.
¹⁷ The dead do not praise the Lord,
    nor do any who go down into silence.
¹⁸ But we will bless the Lord
    from this time forth and forevermore.
Praise the Lord!

Read full chapterFootnotes

1. Psalm 115:9 Masoretic Text; many Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Syriac O house of Israel

Romans 11:25-36 (NIV)

 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, 26 and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written:

 “The deliverer will come from Zion;

  he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.

27 And this is my covenant with them

  when I take away their sins.”

28 As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, 29 for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. 30 Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. 32 For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.

Doxology

33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!

  How unsearchable his judgments,

  and his paths beyond tracing out!

34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?

  Or who has been his counselor?”

35 “Who has ever given to God,

  that God should repay them?”

36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.

  To him be the glory forever! Amen.

My daughter really blessed me by spending quality time last night. We saw the most beautiful rendition of Noah’s Ark by Ballet Rejoice.

When pondering the phrase “the eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good”, I was especially reminded of the dystopian society of Noah’s day. The mockery, the chaos, the violence- it was enough to make God sorry for creating mankind.

Yet, the ballet’s depiction of nature’s “re-creation” in all its beauty became all the more fresh in light of that. Whether butterflies or snow white doves, the joy of being kept safe in the “ark” during the flood of God’s judgment was somehow peaceful and calming to the core.

Christ alone can save us from the storm. He is the “ark” and able to put right the chaos of our sin nature. He is worthy and able to bring peace where there is no peace.

The account of Noah’s ark is a glorious depiction of salvation and redemption. Jesus Christ has made all things new.

He will also bring us safely to our heavenly home. We must “trust His grace”. Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. May we also trust His way of salvation for us. – Teresa #amazingracehowsweetthesound

Proverbs 15:1-3 (ESV)

15 A soft answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.
² The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
    but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
³ The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
    keeping watch on the evil and the good.

Read full chapter

Genesis 6:7-8 (KJV)

And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

Hebrews 11:6-8 (KJV)

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Devising good vs. going astray helps us avoid a trap. Have you noticed that there are those who may actually be devising evil?

Maybe it seems “easier” to talk than toil or it may have to do with proving oneself in whatever situation life dictates? #bullies

A wealthy inheritance is much more than monetary, it has to do with a family name that is known by character qualities, including hard work.

The best way to show the deep work of our inner man is by exhibiting the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This does not just magically appear once we are believers.

God’s perspective and His “family” helps us to show steadfast love and faithfulness. #Trinity

It takes year after year of making decisions based on truth. When someone has you convinced that you are worthless, it’s time for you to take action and believe the truth of God’s word, the Bible.

Be sure to allow the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and discernment even about those in the ‘family of God’ who may not be using words, truthfully.

After watching an episode of “Little House on the Prairie“, by Michael Landon, last night (about the faith healer who was really a fraud), it made me consider this as well. #scammersinthechurch (episode 10, season 6)

A good indication is whether the preacher’s lifestyle is way beyond the standard for those he/she serves. This is also in stark contrast to any low income town that has a casino. The houses around this magnificent structure show blatantly where the profit is flowing.

Being wise means we embrace good character and the profit of that flows to our families and communities. It doesn’t mean we give it away to those who stake a claim. #smoothtalkers #loudestvoiceintheroom

Let’s bring it! Steadfast love and faithfulness that is…not folly, half truths or anything based on foolishness. – Teresa #Jesusisthewaythetruthandthelife

Proverbs 14:22-24English Standard Version

²² Do they not go astray who devise evil?
    Those who devise good meet^[a]steadfast love and faithfulness.
²³ In all toil there is profit,
    but mere talk tends only to poverty.
²⁴ The crown of the wise is their wealth,
    but the folly of fools brings folly.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Proverbs 14:22 Or show

John 14:6 (NIV)

Jesus answered, “I am

 the way

 and the truth

 and the life.

No one comes to the Father except through me.

We were walking early this morning and noticed our shadows in the meadow below.

This Bible passage about Gideon is really about God (not Gideon- he’s but a shadow in comparison to God’s great light and glory). Have you ever wondered at something amazing God accomplished even when the chips were down or the odds stacked against you?

I was talking about something yesterday and realized for the first time that the only reason it was wildly successful was because God was “literally” behind it. My lack of understanding at the time didn’t allow me to see it fully, but I described it like this, “He put key people in a ‘headlock’ (so to speak) so that His will was accomplished.”

Not to mention one of those key people was me! (So I wouldn’t interfere with His great outcome and glory)

Enjoy the reading of this passage and remember, God chooses the right people for the job at hand. People who don’t think much of themselves.

If you can’t figure it out, remember God’s plans are not always conventional.– Teresa #faith #obedience #worshipHim #everythingwillbeok

Judges 7:1-8:17English Standard Version*

Gideon’s Three Hundred Men

7 Then Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) and all the people who were with him rose early and encamped beside the spring of Harod. And the camp of Midian was north of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.

² The Lord said to Gideon, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ ³ Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.’” Then 22,000 of the people returned, and 10,000 remained.

⁴ And the Lord said to Gideon, “The people are still too many. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there, and anyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ shall go with you, and anyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ shall not go.” ⁵ So he brought the people down to the water. And the Lord said to Gideon, “Every one who laps the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set by himself. Likewise, every one who kneels down to drink.” ⁶ And the number of those who lapped, putting their hands to their mouths, was 300 men, but all the rest of the people knelt down to drink water. ⁷ And the Lord said to Gideon, “With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home.” ⁸ So the people took provisions in their hands, and their trumpets. And he sent all the rest of Israel every man to his tent, but retained the 300 men. And the camp of Midian was below him in the valley.

⁹ That same night the Lord said to him, “Arise, go down against the camp, for I have given it into your hand. ¹⁰ But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant.¹¹ And you shall hear what they say, and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp.” Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outposts of the armed men who were in the camp. ¹² And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the people of the East lay along the valley like locusts in abundance, and their camels were without number, as the sand that is on the seashore in abundance. ¹³ When Gideon came, behold, a man was telling a dream to his comrade. And he said, “Behold, I dreamed a dream, and behold, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian and came to the tent and struck it so that it fell and turned it upside down, so that the tent lay flat.” ¹⁴ And his comrade answered, “This is no other than the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel; God has given into his hand Midian and all the camp.”

¹⁵ As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped. And he returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Arise, for the Lord has given the host of Midian into your hand.” ¹⁶ And he divided the 300 men into three companies and put trumpets into the hands of all of them and empty jars, with torches inside the jars. ¹⁷ And he said to them, “Look at me, and do likewise. When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. ¹⁸ When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then blow the trumpets also on every side of all the camp and shout, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon.’”

Gideon Defeats Midian

¹⁹ So Gideon and the hundred men who were with him came to the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, when they had just set the watch. And they blew the trumpets and smashed the jars that were in their hands.²⁰ Then the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the jars. They held in their left hands the torches, and in their right hands the trumpets to blow. And they cried out, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!” ²¹ Every man stood in his place around the camp, and all the army ran. They cried out and fled. ²² When they blew the 300 trumpets, the Lord set every man’s sword against his comrade and against all the army. And the army fled as far as Beth-shittah toward Zererah,^[a] as far as the border of Abel-meholah, by Tabbath. ²³ And the men of Israel were called out from Naphtali and from Asher and from all Manasseh, and they pursued after Midian.

²⁴ Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, “Come down against the Midianites and capture the waters against them, as far as Beth-barah, and also the Jordan.” So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they captured the waters as far as Beth-barah, and also the Jordan. ²⁵ And they captured the two princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. They killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb they killed at the winepress of Zeeb. Then they pursued Midian, and they brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon across the Jordan.

Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna

8 Then the men of Ephraim said to him, “What is this that you have done to us, not to call us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they accused him fiercely. ² And he said to them, “What have I done now in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the grape harvest of Abiezer? ³ God has given into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. What have I been able to do in comparison with you?” Then their anger^[b]against him subsided when he said this.

⁴ And Gideon came to the Jordan and crossed over, he and the 300 men who were with him, exhausted yet pursuing. ⁵ So he said to the men of Succoth, “Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me, for they are exhausted, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.” ⁶ And the officials of Succoth said, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your hand, that we should give bread to your army?” ⁷ So Gideon said, “Well then, when the Lord has given Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, I will flail your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers.”⁸ And from there he went up to Penuel, and spoke to them in the same way, and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered. ⁹ And he said to the men of Penuel, “When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower.”

¹⁰ Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with their army, about 15,000 men, all who were left of all the army of the people of the East, for there had fallen 120,000 men who drew the sword. ¹¹ And Gideon went up by the way of the tent dwellers east of Nobah and Jogbehah and attacked the army, for the army felt secure.¹² And Zebah and Zalmunna fled, and he pursued them and captured the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and he threw all the army into a panic.

¹³ Then Gideon the son of Joash returned from the battle by the ascent of Heres. ¹⁴ And he captured a young man of Succoth and questioned him. And he wrote down for him the officials and elders of Succoth, seventy-seven men. ¹⁵ And he came to the men of Succoth and said, “Behold Zebah and Zalmunna, about whom you taunted me, saying, ‘Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your hand, that we should give bread to your men who are exhausted?’” ¹⁶ And he took the elders of the city, and he took thorns of the wilderness and briers and with them taught the men of Succoth a lesson. ¹⁷ And he broke down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city..

Footnotes

1. Judges 7:22 Some Hebrew manuscripts Zeredah
2. Judges 8:3 Hebrew their spirit

Judges 6Judges 9

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We enjoyed this rich flavored dish for dinner last night. Even while I was making it, I felt certain it would “fill me up”. The fresh-grated Parmesan, cilantro and jalapeno-infused stewed tomatoes made it extra satisfying (for those who enjoy a spicy twist).

When Jesus perceived the craftiness of some “religious followers”, he was not tricked by the twist to their language. They appeared to elevate Jesus but in fact they were hoping he would slip up and say something bad about those who ruled over them, politically.

In their heart was murder but on their tongues were smooth truths. After all, Jesus’ popularity with the people was due to his ability to stand with them, not above them.

This was something the “religious rulers” feared.

Their silence after hearing his answers showed that Jesus Christ the LORD was teaching the right way to God the Father.

Whether or not we can be satisfied with our own twist on things depends on the way we stand in his presence.

Being reduced to silence may be just what is needed to recognize His Lordship.- Teresa #fillmycupLord #truesatisfaction

Luke 20:19-26 (ESV)*

Paying Taxes to Caesar

¹⁹ The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. ²⁰ So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. ²¹ So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality,^[d]but truly teach the way of God. ²² Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” ²³ But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them,²⁴ “Show me a denarius.^[e] Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar’s.”²⁵ He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” ²⁶ And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent.Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Luke 20:1 Greek he
2. Luke 20:10 Or bondservant; also verse 11
3. Luke 20:17 Greek the head of the corner
4. Luke 20:21 Greek and do not receive a face
5. Luke 20:24 A denarius was a day’s wage for a laborer

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