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.
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..
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
God’s glory needs no embellishment. He exudes power, presence and perfection.
In fact, He does not need our wealth to be impressive. When Moses was awe struck by God, it was through a burning bush. (Exodus 3:2,3) With Gideon, it was a wet fleece covered with dew and a dry fleece when the rest of the ground was saturated. (Judges 6:38,39) For King Hezekiah, it was the movement of the shadow backwards up the stairs. (2Kings 20:10)
In this parable below, we learn that serving God should be undertaken with as much diligence and precision as a manager for a wealthy employer.*
What the world values is reflected by the time taken and where honest (or in this case dishonest) effort is afforded.
“Unrighteous” wealth may be a good teacher but it is not the beautiful destination we truly desire.
My first somewhat official job was working for our neighbors (along with my sister). We were excited to muck out the horse stables, feed, brush and water the 5 beauties. Not because it smelled like a barn in our “shed” or mud room when we came home but because on Saturdays we could ride them.
I barely remember the money I earned, but I’ll always remember the time we were allotted to ride around our acreage, cantering through the fields.
In the same way, we are faithful in worldly occupations to learn valuable life lessons. God is refining us to care for ourselves, our families and to also care for those who need a helping hand.
We are required to learn much so that we can reach the beautiful destination of being part of God’s glorious kingdom.
Keeping God as the focal point of our wonder (in contrast to the myriads of “not so amazing” human achievements), we can run unhindered in the race He has set before us. – Teresa #treasureinjarsofclay
Luke 16:1-13 English Standard Version**
The Parable of the Dishonest Manager
16 He also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions. 2 And he called him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’ 3 And the manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg.4 I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.’ 5 So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 He said, ‘A hundred measures[a] of oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’7 Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures[b] of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’8 The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world[c] are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light. 9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth,[d] so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.
10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. 11 If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
The hawthorn is now joyfully blooming in our backyard
Deceitful hearts belong to those devising evil. In contrast, joyful hearts belong to those planning peace.
How much more do truthful lips endure forever. Whereas, a lying tongue is but for a moment.
When we value peace and truth, not only is our life significant in time but our existence is marked by joy.
Thinking of those who have lived before us, who do we talk about the most?
For my husband and I, we find ourselves recounting the influence of those “saints” who blessed our young married lives significantly. (My dad, Bapoo, Uncle Karl, Aunt Lee)
They not only showed love and affection but they always spoke the truth and had so much joy.
When we determine how to live our lives-especially in our golden years- I feel it’s important to stay connected to younger people in significant ways. They bless us by welcoming, including and taking time for us and we really don’t know what type of legacy we can encourage in them. #generosity
That’s pretty much a nugget of wisdom that is weightier than gold.- Teresa
Proverbs 12:19-20English Standard Version*
19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. 20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.
One of the most satisfying events of my parenting life was experiencing the wedding of our oldest daughter. As an artist, she has impeccable taste. It was utterly beautiful (right down to the cake from Freeport Bakery). #10yearanniversary
From the passage below, the parents of a 12 year old girl had just witnessed her “resurrection” and they were amazed. Jesus told them to give her something to eat and to not to speak of this miracle. The first request would be easy (especially for me as I love to feed my family) but the second directive would be nearly impossible.
The ruler of the synagogue had somehow “lived” through the devastating news that his daughter had died.
Jesus gave him some spiritual nourishment, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” (See verse 52 below)
Whether we nourish our family with significant and satisfying experiences or are the first to seek the source of nourishment on their behalf as this father did (and most parents do in midnight prayer sessions), we should always be amazed.
Jesus Christ the LORD is the source of all we need. Are we waiting for Him?
The crowds were waiting for Jesus, expectant because of their faith in who He was. As noted by Luke the physician, (in this same chapter) Jesus cast out a legion of demons and calmed the wind and waves by rebuking them. Now, the people were more than willing to let Him have authority in their individual lives.
We may not always have the freedom to proclaim His mighty acts, but we can be continually nourished, thereby nourishing others with our own faith.
Lord, we are amazed at your acts as the mighty God. Would you be our prince of peace this Easter season? -Teresa #resurrection
Luke 8:40-56 English Standard Version**
Jesus Heals a Woman and Jairus’s Daughter
40 Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. 41 And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus’ feet, he implored him to come to his house, 42 for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying.
As Jesus went, the people pressed around him.43 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians,[a] she could not be healed by anyone. 44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. 45 And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter[b] said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed.48 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”
49 While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” 50 But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” 51 And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. 52 And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” 53 And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” 55 And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. 56 And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.
Luke 8:19 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verses 20, 21
Luke 8:26 Some manuscripts Gadarenes; others Gergesenes; also verse 37
Although we can cut back when necessary, I’m a firm believer in giving generously. Both of my parents practiced this. They not only tithed but gave over and above to their community and to those in need around the world.
The proverb below reminds us to be a blessing whenever possible.
In today’s world of scam artists, I see that a generous heart is not always the best for a family’s well-being.
I’ve had to stand in the gap for my elder’s “over” generosity, especially with the increase of slick talk- yes, even in the “church”.
When I said, “You know this is what I do for a living- I am an advocate for those without a voice and I am a professional at what I do.” #RN …my elder expressed appreciation many years later, after realizing that my judgment was sound and needs were being safely cared for.
Yes, God provides in ways beyond what we can ask or imagine. When we invest in our children (as my parents invested in me), those good blessing will continue for many generations to come. #commonsense
Don’t be swindled by shiny momentos that are “slick”, instead give freely of that which matters. #significantcharacterinvestments
Who has given freely to us? Remember and give in turn. -Teresa #JesusChristourLord
Proverbs 11:24-26English Standard Version*
24 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. 25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. 26 The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.
The wetlands-on our walk home from coffee this morning
When we “work” for salvation it is just that- it’s about appearances to the world. It’s all about how well we perform. #missthemark
On our walk this morning, I was expounding on the thoughts below. (Things I’ve been contemplating all week in response to heavy personal needs in the lives of those near and dear to me). My husband encouraged me to write this blog.
The passage from earlier this week, (see below) was a scene from when Moses and Aaron were in the throes of grief (Miriam, their beloved sister, had just died), it was then that they lost their chance to lead the people into the promised land. In fact, they could not fake an infallible priesthood at that moment- as good as they were. Those quarreling Hebrews needed water and God specified to speak to the rock to allow the water to flow. Moses did not follow the instructions exactly. (Maybe feelings of anger made him strike it instead?)
Now, let me ask- who does Moses represent to us? Yes, as a type of Christ, he delivered the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt, just as Christ delivers us from slavery to sin.
How important is it for us to let Jesus Christ the LORD carry out God’s plan perfectly? We can never take on this role of “priest from the order of Melchizedek” or hope to perform it “perfectly”. #Salem #peace
Fast forward to the New Testament. Jesus was talking about not being anxious about clothing, food and drink. What did he say to seek first?
That’s right…seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness!! Who alone can make us righteous for God’s kingdom? As a dear friend of mine answered so well… “the blood of Jesus”. He is both the Savior and the Deliverer of the world (saving and delivering us from sin’s curse).
Why does any of this matter?…we cannot fake transformation. Mind renewal and heart change are a powerful result of love.
Christ alone brings us into a right relationship with God the Father. His perfect sacrifice covers us, so to speak. He then sent the Holy Spirit to help us as believers, after ascending to the right hand of God.
If we leave the “heavy lifting”, aka perfection, to God, then we are freed up to experience transformation. We are no longer forced to perform, instead we are invited into a family relationship. God’s family dynamic has all good ramifications.
Because there is no faking it, we can be honest with God about the need of our hearts.
He meets us at the point of our need. He is able to transform us when we trust His provision through His Son.
Faith is powerful, faith is transformative, faith is the means of justification. #truth
What transforms people who are a bit timid? Yes, faith even brings boldness because it’s not about the quantity of our faith as much as it is about the greatness of our God (whom we place our faith in).
He has already finished the hard work for us, for our families, for our country and for the world.
Why? “Because God so loved the world that He gave…“ (John 3:16)
Since when did we stop trusting our great God and His heart for the world?-Teresa #nolongerduped #confidentrust #focusontheOne
20 And the people of Israel, the whole congregation, came into the wilderness of Zin in the first month, and the people stayed in Kadesh. And Miriam died there and was buried there.
The Waters of Meribah
2 Now there was no water for the congregation. And they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. 3 And the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Would that we had perished when our brothers perished before the Lord! 4 Why have you brought the assembly of the Lord into this wilderness, that we should die here, both we and our cattle? 5 And why have you made us come up out of Egypt to bring us to this evil place? It is no place for grain or figs or vines or pomegranates, and there is no water to drink.”6 Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the entrance of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces. And the glory of the Lordappeared to them, 7 and the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 8 “Take the staff, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to yield its water. So you shall bring water out of the rock for them and give drink to the congregation and their cattle.” 9 And Moses took the staff from before the Lord, as he commanded him.
Moses Strikes the Rock
10 Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?” 11 And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock. 12 And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.” 13 These are the waters of Meribah,[a] where the people of Israel quarreled with the Lord, and through them he showed himself holy.
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Matthew 6:25-34 (ESV)***
Do Not Be Anxious
[25] “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? [26] Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? [27] And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? [28] And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, [29] yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [30] But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? [31] Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
[34] “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Yes, my coach took me out for our first bike ride of the season. It was a gorgeous spring day and we rode about 10.5 miles.
My husband has been an avid cyclist for about 14 years now. He got in shape by joining up with “group rides” in our community. (Definitely, not for the faint of heart!) He conquered the notorious Death Ride two times, the rugged Davis Double Century and the daunting Mt. Shasta Super Century. He even enjoyed the Glacier National Park ride called “Going to the Sun”, sponsored by Hammer Nutrition.
When I say he’s my coach, he really has taught (and is still guiding) me in everything I need to know about riding the beautiful rural roads in our area. There is not only the technical aspects of the bike and what kit/glasses to wear. Much of the challenge is hydration, shot bloks for electrolytes and protein bars for sustenance (which is mostly for the summer heat since I don’t ordinarily log more than 20 miles a ride).
This passage is encouraging when we read the detailed instructions and exhortation of Moses to the leaders of their community, “Be of good courage”.
Their assessmentof the land was accurate from a human standpoint. It was an abundantly fruitful country with well-equipped warriors. What most of them failed to report was what God’s perspective was of their ability to conquer the land.
Caleb, from the tribe of Judah, was courageous enough to speak the truth of what he saw. Although no one else spoke up for God’s purpose involving this land, he boldly took the stand. Joshua (Moses’s representative) also supported his report.
Putting on this belt of truth with our “spiritual” armor from God is always the first step.
The word of God brings us truth. It is a steady foundation that does not waver amidst slick words or slippery motives. The Bible is foundational to our understanding of God’s character. Jesus Christ the Lord is also called “the word”, who was since the beginning of creation. (See the Gospel of John, chapter 1)
We cannot handle the heavy breastplate of God’s righteousness without the truth girding us with an ability to not just advance but to run, unhindered. (See Ephesians 6:14)
The difference between a good and a bad report involves our faith in God’s word. May we have discernment to know the truth and the courage to act upon it in faith.
God sends us great leaders (and coaches) to guide and equip, but ultimately we have to take on the responsibility to know when to courageously move forward and when to stay safe in the boundaries that God provides. -Teresa #trustHim #speakthetruthinlove
Numbers 13: 1-33 (ESV)*
Spies Sent into Canaan
13 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel. From each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a chief among them.” 3 So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran, according to the command of the Lord, all of them men who were heads of the people of Israel.4 And these were their names: From the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur; 5 from the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori; 6 from the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh; 7 from the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph; 8 from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun; 9 from the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu;10 from the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi; 11 from the tribe of Joseph (that is, from the tribe of Manasseh), Gaddi the son of Susi; 12 from the tribe of Dan, Ammiel the son of Gemalli; 13 from the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael;14 from the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi; 15 from the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi. 16 These were the names of the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Hoshea the son of Nun Joshua.
17 Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan and said to them, “Go up into the Negeb and go up into the hill country, 18 and see what the land is, and whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, whether they are few or many, 19 and whether the land that they dwell in is good or bad, and whether the cities that they dwell in are camps or strongholds, 20 and whether the land is rich or poor, and whether there are trees in it or not. Be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes.
21 So they went up and spied out the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, near Lebo-hamath.22 They went up into the Negeb and came to Hebron. Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, were there. (Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) 23 And they came to the Valley of Eshcol and cut down from there a branch with a single cluster of grapes, and they carried it on a pole between two of them; they also brought some pomegranates and figs. 24 That place was called the Valley of Eshcol,[f] because of the cluster that the people of Israel cut down from there.
Report of the Spies
25 At the end of forty days they returned from spying out the land. 26 And they came to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the people of Israel in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh. They brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 And they told him, “We came to the land to which you sent us. It flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28 However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. And besides, we saw the descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the Negeb. The Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the hill country. And the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and along the Jordan.”
30 But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” 31 Then the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.” 32 So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height.33 And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.”
It was verses 10 and 11 that God impressed on my heart when I was just 15 years old. I was questioning my worth. His word was living and active that day and I was ready to receive it.
I remember I was sitting near the Grand Canyon and tangibly felt His presence.
Leaving the rigid values of my father’s house behind, I chose to believe God’s truth that I was not just worthwhile but desirable enough to be part of His bride. (See Revelation 19: 7,8)*
I told God right then that because He was the first one to truly “see” me, I would be a witness for Him to the hardest place on earth.
After going to North Africa for a year (in our late 20’s), God’s presence assured me on the flight home that we had not disappointed Him. It was NOW that He was bringing us back to the hardest mission field on earth (America).
Some things you just take by faith (when it does not seem possible). Now, I see that this is true. How far we have strayed from God as a nation: trusting wealth, status, knowledge and other man-made “gods”.
The last verse in the reading today (Proverbs 10:22) also stood out to me this morning.
God’s blessing is on those who trust Him. In fact, He makes us “rich”, without entering the realm of greed. (Blessed in the NT is different than the OT, where it literally was a physical abundance).
After quitting my part-time gig yesterday, I struggle with feeling “less than”.
Again, I have to go back to my 15 year old discovery. It’s not what I had accomplished or become that made me desirable to God but that I was seeking Him. How stupendous that I chose to believe the truth of His word about myself.
Lord, may we always have the faith of a child. You are God and work above and beyond what we can ask for or imagine. Please do that for each of us I pray. Help us to trust your Word and be your people with true riches- a richness of heart that comes from knowing your truthful love, personally.
Your daughter -Teresa
*Walvoord and Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary. 1989, p. 828
Psalm 45English Standard Version***
Your Throne, O God, Is Forever
To the choirmaster: according to Lilies. A Maskil[a] of the Sons of Korah; a love song.
45 My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.
2 You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. 3 Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty!
4 In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds! 5 Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; the peoples fall under you.
6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; 7 you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; 8 your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad; 9 daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.
10 Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father’s house, 11 and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him. 12 The people[b] of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts, the richest of the people.[c]
13 All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold. 14 In many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions following behind her. 15 With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king.
16 In place of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them princes in all the earth. 17 I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.
Reconnection 