Last Christmas, enjoying harp music 🎼 complements of our daughter.
Our Christmas Eve celebration was made complete with the addition of this amazing instrument and the skill of our daughter in expressing her music.
Did you know that serving the Lord with gladness is like making a joyful noise to Him?
Entering His presence as we sing out His praise opens the gate of familial love.
His people, His sheep, His creation…that’s who we are when we acknowledge Christ Jesus as Lord. #Hisplanisredemption
Thankful and joyful describes those who enter His courts, blessing His name.
How can we not rejoice when we truly understand that He is good? His love steadfastly endures to our children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. #salvation
I attempted to record a “voice memo” to exemplify this truth (as I enjoy playing the piano and singing along for private worship times). It’s not flawless, maybe not even very good…so I won’t be sharing!
To God’s ears, however, I believe it’s beautiful as He sees my heart of thanksgiving.
Whether it’s service or singing, our joyful noise is not lost on Him.-Teresa #authenticpraise
His Steadfast Love Endures Forever
A Psalm for giving thanks.
100 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his;[a] we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.Read full chapter
A desire to be rich can lead to temptations, snares, crazy desires that bring about ruin.
BUT the best type of gain is found through Paul’s teaching to Timothy. Hold fast to godliness and be content with that. After all, we didn’t bring anything into the world and we will leave the same way.
Is it enough to have food and clothing? The minimalist would agree.
Our society is complicated. Not only food and clothing but transportation and a bed to sleep in are a minimum. I’ve come to dislike traveling because bare minimum needs are no longer easy to come by. Even if I am willing to spend the money in order to be comfortable, I’ve found that the customer service to match said value is rare, but lovely when experienced.
While I was waiting for my flight to board in Denver, a young man was talking on the phone and pacing back and forth. His whole conversation was about landing contracts for at least a half million dollars at each of their bookings that year. My imagination took this conversation to mean that his line of work must be an entertainer (since he did not appear old enough to be a businessman or even out of college yet)!
Since he boarded with me in group 4, I also assumed he was the person booking the gigs for an agent! (not the actual entertainer, maybe a relative of the entertainer).
We each have an individual story, although we all enter and leave the world in much the same way (with nothing). Our faith in God is what opens the veil between truth and sparkly appearances trying to convince us of truth.
We watched “Big George Foreman” last night on Netflix. He literally came back to life at 28 years old. Jesus really changed him. His desires and outlook changed. He went from needing 5 cars, mansions and expensive clothing to being a preacher, no longer fighting for respect. The love of God had changed him. I’m not saying he doesn’t have money now (especially after winning the heavyweight championship for a second time at 45 years old). The difference is that the veil of unbelief was removed so that he could understand how God saw him. #worthwhile #nomoreanger
Will I desire to be who riches tell me I am or desire who Christ says I am?-Teresa #content
I Timothy 6:6-10 ESV *
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and[c] we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
When I got on my final flight home this week, I was literally longing for home. My husband and I have been married a long time. Whenever we spend time apart, it brings back memories of our engagement when we were separated almost 6 months (to finish our college semesters). He arrived 2 days before the wedding to whisk me away!!
We told each other that we would never live apart again. Not taking that for granted, I appreciate anew our commitment whenever I get home from a trip.
Similarly, when I trust in the Lord my heart is always with Him. I know the road home (like a highway in my heart), strengthened by faith. Singing songs of praise, I bask in this heavenly relationship.
Until I see Him face to face, I will go from strength to strength. Even in the valley of Baca (or balsam tree) also to weep. He refreshes me. In fact, He withholds no good thing from my life. I can even trust Him for strength to walk uprightly.
Yes, it may come as a surprise but God is trustworthy. We are programmed to lack trust especially if our family of origin has dysfunctional behaviors.
A resume writer on Linked In (Adnan) posted this morning: Don’t Run. You prayed for this.-God. When I read the verse stating “a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere”, it reminded me of a few years ago when I prayed to be able to retire from my job. He allowed it and I have time to spend as a “doorkeeper” in God’s house. It does not appear glamorous or fast-paced, but I trust it is connecting with His heart. #celestialteam
Lord, we look to you. Our souls may even faint with longing for your presence. Because you are God of the living (and of the resurrection), you are a shield about us. – Teresa #fainting #yetfulfilled
Psalm 84English Standard Version*
My Soul Longs for the Courts of the Lord
To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith.[a] A Psalm of the Sons of Korah.
84 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.
3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.[b] 6 As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.
8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah 9 Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed!
10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. 12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!
Visiting Minnesota this week, I’m thankful for the way my mom cared and nurtured us when we were children. She continues to find ways to take care of people and things around her.
I was overcome with grief last night, thinking of what life would be like without someone to take care of me. Sure, as adults we often don’t think we need that caring touch. The “independent” mindset of the Western world has almost spurned this paradigm.
Strangely, the more stoic and “not needy” I am, the less I desire to interact with others. Opening up to others means I am vulnerable. Asking for help means I can’t do it all on my own. (To put an exclamation mark on this point…I watched the movie “28 days”, with Sandra Bullock, on the flight over)!
Asking for help requires humility.
In the passage below, I’m reminded to embrace humility. If God chooses me, makes me holy and tells me that I’m dearly loved, I can “put on” (like a new garment) an attitude of humility.
If you find yourself in a time of grief, be sure to reach out to someone safe. Their understanding may bring not only peace to your life but restore the love that supports you in harmony with God’s purpose.
It is Jesus Christ the Lord dwelling richly within that helps us find a much needed wisdom and joy.- Teresa #gratefulforthis #newperspective
Colossians 3:12-17 (ESV)*
12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
When we reflect the “Son”, we don’t become the moon (lunar sounds strangely like lunatic…what really does happen when there’s a full moon?), but we do become ONE with the Father’s heart. This brings glory to God.
I was talking with someone yesterday about how many “sane” and respectable people have become a bit loony over the past few years. Does this have to do with the moon or is it a result of losing our ability to be of “one” mind with God’s Word?
Encouragement, comfort, participation and affection happen in God’s family. It’s wonderful to have a close-knit biological family but when we become part of the family of God there is a supernatural bond that occurs.
We watched the Prime Freevee this week called “Mother Teresa: No Greater Love”. That was inspiring! She showed the humility of Christ to those who needed mercy. AND, she boldly stood up for their dignity.
Truly a unique combination: humility with authority. It reminds me of the passage below.
Why would the maker of the universe choose to become confined to a human body, which was bound by time and space?
He showed us great mercy in the midst of His divine authority. Without that authority, he would not have been able to succeed with such a radical plan.
His love broke through for all. We need His mercy and grace as much as every desperate life depicted in the documentary. I loved the story of the 2-week old baby, abandoned and yet was still clinging to life. She was recorded as struggling to focus on Mother Teresa’s face but beautifully responding to the intentional loving touch that was caressing her face. Such a reflection of our full reliance on the Savior’s care and affection.
Without him, I am nothing but with him, I have encouragement, comfort, participation and affection. #dignity
How can we make the Father’s joy complete? Let’s give up lunacy and choose instead to be in full accord with His heart.-Teresa #love
Philippians 2:1-11 (ESV)*
Christ’s Example of Humility
2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,[b]6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,[c]7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,[d] being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
My son and I went backpacking in Yosemite this week for three days. Wow, what a nature fix. Beauty permeated my being from every angle-from the breathtaking scenery to the soothing bullfrog sounds at night, and cold river water to soothe my swollen knee.
I especially loved the valley hike on the first day from El Cap meadow to the village (probably because I had no pack weight to lug around).
Now, I’m not complaining since I only carried my clothes, snacks and water plus my Big Agnus sleeping mat. He carried the brunt of the weight including the bear canister, both our tents and sleeping bags plus all his fly fishing gear.
To make one astute observation, I’m not as strong as I once was when I started backpacking in my 30’s. In fact, psychologically I found that I was a bit more fearful. Yes, even my tough upbringing from the Upper Peninsula of MI did not make me feel comfortable when I was left alone to patrol the campsite for three hours at mid-day.
Every sound and imagined sound had me pacing the perimeter and ensuring I had my “bear proof” titanium dishes with me to clang together when needed. I did not say “if “ but “when”, after our experience in Tahoe a few weeks earlier when a bear trotted up to our site while we were eating dinner.
Just to put your mind at rest, I only saw a beautifully curious doe who made me realize my tent was set up on a “game trail” running to the creek. After flipping her ears toward me several times, she gave up her attempt for water because I was standing my ground.
During the long night, all my “imagined” forest companions kept creeping into my mind: starting with a mountain lion, punctuated by a skunk and a cougar, ending with the infamous bear. My son reminded me the next day of the song we used to sing when the kids all lived at home, “The voice of truth” by Casting Crowns.
Yes, I had a case of listening to the voice of fear vs. the voice of truth and it stole my joy for a good part of Day 2 of our trip. It is impossible to enjoy beauty when fear is prevailing.
The Bible passages today were such a beautiful reminder of how much I forget (like Israel) to see the promises of God. He chose a Savior for us (Jesus Christ his Son). He bought us back from sin’s curse (aka redemption) and he promised to make us part of the kingdom of Heaven (as his workmanship), even while we are on this earth. Why is this comforting?
It’s easy to stay fearful of the future especially when so much sin and deception is being touted in our world. The comfort is that when Christ made all things new, he took care of all sin, not just from the past and present but also into the future. That’s amazing!! Not only has God already seen the extent of the problem but His solution has already been applied, being more than enough.
The exhortation is: don’t allow fear to rob us of our joy, because the truth about God’s forgiveness is greater. We may need to extend this forgiveness to people in our present circumstances. But when we remember beyond a doubt that His presence is around us, our senses are free to experience beauty. -Teresa #sinbringsdeath #gracebringslife
Isaiah 42 and 43:1-3a (ESV)* (bold added for emphasis)
42 Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. 2 He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; 3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 He will not grow faint or be discouraged[c] till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law.
5 Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it: 6 “I am the Lord; I have called you[d] in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, 7 to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. 8 I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols. 9 Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.”
Sing to the Lord a New Song
10 Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the end of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that fills it, the coastlands and their inhabitants. 11 Let the desert and its cities lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar inhabits; let the habitants of Sela sing for joy, let them shout from the top of the mountains. 12 Let them give glory to the Lord, and declare his praise in the coastlands. 13 The Lord goes out like a mighty man, like a man of war he stirs up his zeal; he cries out, he shouts aloud, he shows himself mighty against his foes.
14 For a long time I have held my peace; I have kept still and restrained myself; now I will cry out like a woman in labor; I will gasp and pant. 15 I will lay waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their vegetation; I will turn the rivers into islands,[e] and dry up the pools. 16 And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them. 17 They are turned back and utterly put to shame, who trust in carved idols, who say to metal images, “You are our gods.”
Israel’s Failure to Hear and See
18 Hear, you deaf, and look, you blind, that you may see! 19 Who is blind but my servant, or deaf as my messenger whom I send? Who is blind as my dedicated one,[f] or blind as the servant of the Lord? 20 He sees many things, but does not observe them; his ears are open, but he does not hear. 21 The Lord was pleased, for his righteousness’ sake, to magnify his law and make it glorious. 22 But this is a people plundered and looted; they are all of them trapped in holes and hidden in prisons; they have become plunder with none to rescue, spoil with none to say, “Restore!” 23 Who among you will give ear to this, will attend and listen for the time to come? 24 Who gave up Jacob to the looter, and Israel to the plunderers? Was it not the Lord, against whom we have sinned, in whose ways they would not walk, and whose law they would not obey? 25 So he poured on him the heat of his anger and the might of battle; it set him on fire all around, but he did not understand; it burned him up, but he did not take it to heart.
Israel’s Only Savior
43 But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Ephesians 2:4-10*
]4 But[c]God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Many years ago, (over 30 years) I was flying to Puerto Rico to meet up with a business gathering for my husband’s company (spouses were invited). I spent the first night alone and felt discouraged not just because my luggage was lost but because I did not feel “one” with my husband. Sitting out on the balcony with the moon shining over the ocean, I heard the powerful sound of the waves ebbing and flowing.
As I poured out my heart to God, I was encouraged by the thought that although the wave pushing the water onto the shore was extremely powerful…the current sucking it back out to sea was just as powerful! Suddenly, I visualized my marriage relationship with a new perspective. Even though we may reach the goal in different ways, we had the same end result in mind. Harmony and power go hand in hand to make a relationship strong. The important part is to stay in rhythm or in sync.
Since then, God has not only sustained but blessed our marriage in ways that could never be attributed to merely “good works” or “good decisions on our part”. Faith is what started a heart of love in each of us. It is God’s good purpose that prevails still.
In the passage below, Paul is reminding the Galatians about Father Abraham. Although the Jewish Christians were tempted to show their righteousness by performing good works from the Law of Moses, Paul reminded them that faith in God and the filling of the Holy Spirit were a result of the power of Christ alone making them right in God’s eyes. How else did Abraham gain favor with God, if not through faith?
Just as a marriage relationship harmoniously working together is an example of great power, Christ and the church working together will bring God’s love to the world. #brideofChrist
We are living in a time when this is needed more than ever. The blessing of the Abrahamic covenant is available to the world through those who trust God.
Being crucified with Christ may start in our relationships at home, letting His love flow through us in powerful ways.
It will touch everyone around and is not in vain.
Lord, give me new eyes to see the harmony and power of God today as I trust you.-Teresa #goodnews #thegospel #John1:12
Galatians 2:20,21;3:1-9 English Standard Version **
20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness[a] were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
By Faith, or by Works of the Law?
3 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by[b] the flesh? 4 Did you suffer[c] so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”?
7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify[d] the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
There is a point when the morning mist is lifting and the night hunting is done. The apex predator can double as a watchful guard over its territory.
When we were camping in Tahoe a few weeks ago, I had a unique experience watching a red tailed hawk and a raven. The hawk amazed us with a silent maneuver the day before dipping between two redwoods to adjust for his full wing span and skillfully moving past us in our campsite at full speed.
The last day, I was making sandwiches for our lunch. A large raven sat cloaked on the Sugar Pine tree towering above me. Whenever I see ravens, I’m reminded of God’s provision for Elijah and remember they also gather when something needs to be cleaned up (as in dead animals).
Generally, I will ask God if it’s a sign that something of my “old” nature needs to “die”. For example, fear of people’s opinions, jealousy or envy for things I don’t need, etc. Just recently, I started calling ravens the “dirty birds” when we experienced a pair of them visiting our birdbath daily for a month. No kidding, they also kill other birds and we would have to clean the carcass out of the bath.
All of a sudden, there was such a racket directly overhead that I looked up to see the hawk and raven engaged in a squabble not once, but twice. I saw that the hawk really did include our campsite as part of its territory. He successfully drove out the “dirty bird”.
To me, it was God’s whisper to my heart assuring me that I’m in His territory and He will be protecting me from the “dirty birds” around me.
My father set an ancient landmark, which was his parent’s property that he inherited on Wilderness Road. #40acres Although I don’t own that land, the memories of growing up there always remind me of the beauty of God’s inheritance for me.
In the passage below, I “remember” not to move this landmark, by allowing the fears of corruption in the world to change my trust in our Lord and Savior for His provision (aka…Do as my dad did).
I’ve developed skills in my work to: 1.Recognize when I’m stressed 2. Counteract the negative effects with deep breathing 3. Spend time each day building myself back up (exercise/prayer/Bible reading, nutritious food, positive social interactions/Bible study with other women, nature time, enjoying “with love” my responsibilities, and journaling).
This may seem small and obscure. Believe me, it’s no small thing. Someday, when I stand before the King of kings, I will rejoice to hear HIS voice calling me. -Teresa
Proverbs 22:28-29English Standard Version*
28 Do not move the ancient landmark that your fathers have set. 29 Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.
Receiving the grace of God requires follow through…opening wide your heart.
In other words, those who minister with hearts wide open may at times (like Paul) be treated with restrictive feeling and emotion when new believers are reticent or sitting on the proverbial fence (half in the world and half in Christ).
Now is the day of salvation (the moment when the Holy Spirit draws you to the Father). Do not receive this grace in vain. Make it count for God’s glory.
When the church gives freely of their love towards one another, God is glorified (I John 4:7).
“Agape” love is from God, it is for everyone and is different from “Eros” love (also in the Greek) which is meant for our spouse, or “Philia” love, which is for our family/brothers/sisters. Wikipedia
Affection, which is spoken of in this passage has to do with the bowel, intestine or seat of emotions. Bible hub Is it possible to love others without engaging our emotions?
My experience has been that when I widened my heart, I have also been introduced to greater needs. I’m learning to not let the “needy” rest on my shoulder but somehow connect their life to the life of Christ, then stand back to watch a tremendous miracle happen, especially in myself.
This can be through exchanging a kind word, giving a healing roller ball (I’ve been praying for those in need of healing and offering essential oil recipes), praying in tongues over situations that are dire, giving/sharing with those in my “church family” where I see a need, and meditating on the Bible (my heart) in these weekly blogs.
Whatever your unique gifting and calling, I look forward to hearing from you by reading your blogs, poems, short stories and videos to also be encouraged. -Teresa #hisyokeiseasy #hisburdenislight #Mat11:30
2 Corinthians 6:1-13English Standard Version**
6 Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says,
“In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”
Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3 We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4 but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5 beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6 by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; 7 by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left;8 through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed;10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
11 We have spoken freely to you,[a] Corinthians; our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. 13 In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.
Relying on ourselves works to a certain point. After all, the pain of a hard work-out will bring gains in strength.
When the pain is beyond our ability to endure, relying on God means we understand what the Apostle Paul shared here. He describes the burden of ministry becoming so great that they (the team in Corinth) despaired of life itself.
Because God has the power to raise from the dead, He will deliver those who put their hope in Him. The author of Proverbs reminds us that being humble towards God leads to “fearing” Him (or having a deep reverence) which can bring considerable blessing-riches, honor and life (Proverbs 22:4).
Life is an amazing blessing when you’ve experienced the comfort of God. This comfort can only be understood after an ordeal of suffering (aka grief or loss).
There are times when the suffering is caused by another’s sin and required forgiveness. In Tim Keller’s book on forgiveness***, he proposed the idea of carrying the pain of a “forgiven” sin for another when you choose to actually forgive them.
How opposite of “Western world” values, we should not have to carry that stinking load for an unworthy, ungrateful soul. On the other hand, isn’t that what our Savior did for all of us?
Is loss the only way to gain the perspective of Christ’s suffering death and resurrection? Philippians 3:7-11 reminds us of how that works in heaven’s value system.
The excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord may not be a call to watching out for me, myself and I but it is a call to receiving the comfort that goes deeper than our ability to cope. #relyingontheOnewhohasresurrectionpower
Let’s comfort others by first of all allowing God’s comfort to reach us deeply, to our inner core. He longs to find us right where we love and live. -Teresa #allowHimtocomfortyou #prayforthosesuffering
2 Corinthians 1:1-11 ESV *
Greeting
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
To the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
God of All Comfort
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.[a]6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.
8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers,[b]of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 11 You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.Read full chapter
*** “Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I?” Book by Timothy Keller
Footnotes
2 Corinthians 1:5 Or For as the sufferings of Christ abound for us, so also our comfort abounds through Christ
2 Corinthians 1:8 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
Reconnection 