Feeling the pressures of life, I enjoy this shiny reminder of fostering deeper relationships in the midst of a barren culture. Physically, I have become better at staying at a “safe” distance but socially, I have had many amazing experiences this year.
In September, I started attending a Zoom Bible study through “Heart 2 Heart”. It has been a joyful time of getting to know 7 precious women from diverse backgrounds. The richness and self- discovery has helped me feel connected (using a new virtual format) but ultimately connecting through God’s love and prayer.
At work, I have been blessed to meet 47 people that I would have never known as I’ve had the opportunity to mentor our new hire RN’s.
With family, we have been “together” across the table or in the yards. I feel very appreciative to stay connected to each one of our children and grandchildren with whatever excuse it takes- (hikes, bday gift drop offs, doctor appointments with mom, etc.). We’ve learned to “blow out” neither the warmth nor…the candles!
After feeding time, an infant is fully satisfied and quieted with their mother. Am I fully satisfied and content with the Lord’s provision for me? I have partaken and remind myself to remain fully sated with God’s mercy and grace.
Amazingly, I don’t have to plan out the next meal because I trust His abundance is there for me. – Teresa #contentment #trust #hopeinOne #myprovider
Psalm 131:1-3 (ESV)
I Have Calmed and Quieted My Soul
A Song of Ascents. Of David.
131 O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. 2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. 3 O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore.
The name of the Lord is my help. He breaks the snare (trap) of the fowler, helping me escape from those who spread a torrent of rage. Jesus is like Noah’s ark, providing shelter and even salvation so I am not overcome.
The distressing moments of life seek to crush me. Do I trust God, the Father? If so, then my feelings and responses should be bathed in peace, knowing He has control. Instead my flesh and my heart fail but He is still the strength of my heart.
Is God on our side? Certainly! There is a way to escape as a bird and fly away but it does require that I recognize the snare as a trap.
Sitting in the snare and enjoying its surroundings will not aid me to recognize my Lord. Because I have distressing feelings and responses full of unrest, I will be ready to escape. When I see the One on my side, I will lift my wings and fly to a place of safety.
The One who made heaven and earth is not only willing to help but able to deliver.- Teresa
124 If it had not been the Lord who was on our side— let Israel now say— 2 if it had not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us, 3 then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; 4 then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; 5 then over us would have gone the raging waters. 6 Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth! 7 We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! 8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
The stripes (wounds) that fell on our Savior’s back became part of fulfilling the Father’s will.
Our hope is in Him, Jesus Christ the Lord, God’s Son and our Savior. This hope will not be put to shame through the conniving or insulting of oppressors, because God is faithful. The Father will fulfill His promise toward us.
His promise is that when we participate in eternal life- we will live! What is eternal life and when does it start?
Eternal life is this that you may know Him, the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent (see John 17:3). It started the moment I agreed to His Lordship in my life. It started when I ended my futile work to save myself and submitted to the Lord Almighty and to His holy name (or His unchanging nature/character).
I fell in love with the Bible at 9 years old (the most authenticated ancient writing known to mankind). I ask God daily for insight and wisdom.
Insight and wisdom are the protection we have in a day of deception. From His word we know that God is the One with the ultimate authority over our eternity.
Eternal life can start today. Being born again means that you will “know” or experience intimate insights into a relationship that endures the test of time. -Teresa #steadfastlove #pouredout #HisSongiven
Psalm 119:116-124 (ESV)
116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope! 117 Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually! 118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes, for their cunning is in vain. 119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, therefore I love your testimonies. 120 My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments. Ayin
121 I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors. 122 Give your servant a pledge of good; let not the insolent oppress me. 123 My eyes long for your salvation and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise. 124 Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, and teach me your statutes.
There comes a time when the Son of Man is revealed to mankind. The most frequent title that Jesus used to describe himself in the gospels was the Son of Man.
Ezekiel (son of man) prophesied about the glory that would spread over the earth when the Lord’s presence filled the temple. It would come with the sound of many waters.
In the temple of your body, has the Lord come to take residence? He is not limited to a structural building (temple).
He indwells us with His Holy Spirit upon salvation. The glory of His presence may even come on us with the sound of many waters.
Many waters cannot quench love. In the time of Noah, God made a covenant/promise that He would not wipe out mankind again with a flood.
The ark represents the protection of Jesus (Son of God and prophetic Son of Man) who is rescuing us from the impending judgment against evil (here comes the water). Evil is anything that has defiled God’s rightful place. It will come to light in the brightness of His glory. Jesus ushers in the light.
Thank you,Father God, for revealing to us your Son and our Savior. Thanks for your love that stands in the face of the floods, threatening to overcome. -Teresa #lookeastofEden #johnsteinbeck
Ezekiel 43:1-9 (ESV)
The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple
43 Then he led me to the gate, the gate facing east. 2 And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory. 3 And the vision I saw was just like the vision that I had seen when he[h] came to destroy the city, and just like the vision that I had seen by the Chebar canal. And I fell on my face. 4 As the glory of the Lord entered the temple by the gate facing east, 5 the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the temple.
6 While the man was standing beside me, I heard one speaking to me out of the temple, 7 and he said to me, “Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the people of Israel forever. And the house of Israel shall no more defile my holy name, neither they, nor their kings, by their whoring and by the dead bodies[i] of their kings at their high places,[j] 8 by setting their threshold by my threshold and their doorposts beside my doorposts, with only a wall between me and them. They have defiled my holy name by their abominations that they have committed, so I have consumed them in my anger. 9 Now let them put away their whoring and the dead bodies of their kings far from me, and I will dwell in their midst forever.
It is good to live at peace with everyone in holiness. Those who met Jacob, Moses and even Jesus recognized the reality of God in their lives as an awesome thing. They were all “touchable”, yet had a unique component of awe-filled holiness. They taught others how to draw near to God in order to obtain grace, avoiding bitterness.
How much more should we approach the spiritual dimension (4th, 5th, even 6th dimensions -aka spirit world) with trembling and reverence.
From heaven, God the Father reminds us that created things will be shaken. His Son, the creator of the earth and mediator of the New Covenant, established an unshakeable kingdom. This kingdom is offered as a solution to our unholiness.
I would like to respond to His warning with acceptance and awe-filled gratefulness towards His gift. – Teresa #peacewithGod #peaceonearth #consumingfire #peacethroughJesusChristheLORD
Hebrews 12:14-29 English Standard Version 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.
A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken
18 For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest 19 and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. 20 For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” 21 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.” 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly[a] of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
25 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.
Friends make the world feel better. In a world where we don’t always know what is the next popular or pervasive viewpoint, we can always trust God’s word.
Have you ever experienced a counseling session (with a true friend) that may have been earnest enough to “kick your butt”? If so, you will understand this Proverb.
I happened to overhear one of these sessions just a few weeks ago. The friend was telling the other woman how to act, after being dumped. The friend’s counsel was , “You won’t check your phone, you won’t put life on hold while hoping to make ammends, you will move forward in confidence and hold your head high”.
If you’re feeling low or just alone, be sure to reach out to a friend. Remember that true friends are always there for you (not just when there is something in it for them).
Whether someone has been unfaithful, unethical or just plain unfriendly, seek out a true friend’s sweetness aka counsel. They will help you know how to respond in spite of your inner feelings.
Gladness of heart arises when we smell sweet incense. This odor is pleasing and reminds us of God’s friendship extended to us through His son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
I was once a “pacman” with a voracious appetite for what could not satisfy me: all mouth. Knowing Jesus, I sprouted arms and legs, even a head with more than just this instinctive mouth. He has brought a heart back into my “tin” chest. To be in awe of God is the beginning of wisdom and fills the rooms of our house with precious treasure. (Proverbs 24: 3,4 -3 “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; 4 through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”)
Proverbs 27:9 (ESV)
9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.[a]
Footnotes
Proverbs 27:9 Or and so does the sweetness of a friend that comes from his earnest counsel
I love this painting from my father-in-law (see artist’s name below)
This painting means so much to me as it depicts a typical winter scene. (I grew up in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of MI). My brothers were such good boys, I think of them whenever I look at it. Reminding me of an innocent time of life, I can get lost in the memory.
Our heavenly Father provided his Son, Jesus Christ the Lord who endured for the purpose of becoming perfect in obeying the Father’s will.
If we are suffering because of our sin nature, we can take comfort and remember that our “brother” has helped us. He suffered under distressing temptation yet trusted the Father’s purpose. He was obedient unto death, even death on the cross. (Philippians 2:8). All of this to free us from being slaves to sin.
Although life does not always turn out as we had envisioned, we have a certain hope that our heavenly Father sees every sparrow that falls. Our lives are precious to Him. They are not wasted, but treasured.
No wonder we are refreshed when we see the joy of a family prospering through His grace. -Teresa #praiseHimpraiseHimallthelittlechildren #Godislove #AbrahambelievedGodanditwascreditedtohimas #righteousness #doubelieve?
Hebrews 2: 10-18 (ESV)
10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source.[b] That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,[c] 12 saying,
“I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” 13 And again,
“I will put my trust in him.” And again,
“Behold, I and the children God has given me.” 14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Read full chapter Footnotes
Hebrews 2:7 Some manuscripts insert and set him over the works of your hands Hebrews 2:11 Greek all are of one Hebrews 2:11 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 verse 12
There is rhyme and reason to the governing of God. “He sits enthroned upon the cherubim”…what a beautiful reference to God’s Son as a sacrifice, able to atone for our sin.
As we participate in recognizing and exalting Him for His holiness, then we will experience worship like none other. Equity, justice and righteousness are spoken of as the reason for our ability to exalt in His reign, bowing down in worship.
Moses, Aaron and Samuel had one thing in common: an open line of communication with God, responding to His answers and keeping His testimonies and statutes. God answered their cries, forgave them and avenged their wrongdoings (gaining satisfaction through the blood of the Lamb).
Because the Lord our God is holy (and we are not), we are moved to bow in worship at His holy mountain, recognizing our need of Him. Let us exalt Him with renewed awe at what it meant for Him to avenge for our wrongdoings. -Teresa
Psalm 99:1-9 (ESV)
99 The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble! He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake! 2 The Lord is great in Zion; he is exalted over all the peoples. 3 Let them praise your great and awesome name! Holy is he! 4 The King in his might loves justice.[a] You have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. 5 Exalt the Lord our God; worship at his footstool! Holy is he! 6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel also was among those who called upon his name. They called to the Lord, and he answered them. 7 In the pillar of the cloud he spoke to them; they kept his testimonies and the statute that he gave them. 8 O Lord our God, you answered them; you were a forgiving God to them, but an avenger of their wrongdoings. 9 Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the Lord our God is holy!
Whether you are a man or a woman, God desires for you to be saved. The guardian impressed us this morning as we observed the dynamics of the flock of goats and how “their” dog did his job, warning us not to get too close.
Likewise, God’s word reminds us to stay under the protection of prayer. It will guide us and guard us in our understanding of God. The dignified presence of godliness helps us take the punches of life and remain supple. Those who become stiff necked will be broken and bitter.
In addition, Paul’s teaching about the roles of men and women in the church may be controversial. My understanding is that in Paul’s day, women were not educated (but men were). Therefore, this passage is not entirely applicable in our culture today.
To keep women “hidden” is not the intent but to keep them protected.
I feel that every church should be diverse, including the presence of a “senior pastor” for women-who is a woman. Why should women be subject to receive counseling/teaching only from men (or their “pastor’s wives” who may have no seminary education?) A man may understand the Bible but really has no understanding of women. The women of the church deserve a woman pastor who is educated (just as the men deserve a male pastor who is educated). No man (or woman) should take on tbe role of being “everything” to all genders.
In keeping with Paul, I feel that senior pastors (whether male or female) are under the authority of the elders of the church- to prevent a “cult- like” monopoly of power or kingdom building.
Elders are generally male (but God has allowed unique instances for a woman to step into that role of leadership, when necessary- i.e. Priscilla, Lydia and O.T., Deborah). Contrary to many who may bash Paul for his harsh choice of words, I feel that he is a proponent for women, by allowing for our protection. Do our church leaders do the same today?
We need each other in our own unique roles. By looking to our mediator, Christ Jesus, we are saved (or ransomed from a sin-induced separateness). -Teresa #savedinchildbearing #marsprotectsvenus #prayerandgoodworksunite
1 Timothy 2:1-15 (ESV)
2 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man[a] Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.
Read full chapter Footnotes
1 Timothy 2:5 men and man render the same Greek word that is translated people in verses 1 and 4
I am overcome by how well God refreshes our souls. We just came back from vacation and I realized that “letting down” sometimes allows our true feelings to surface. In fact, we may even feel extra tired (although our output has decreased significantly). God makes a provision for us. He gives us ways to see our world afresh and at the top of my list today was #1 -Thank my Father. His shining face is a miracle of life. – Teresa #savedbylife #God’sgraceismightytorestore
Psalm 80:14-19 (ESV)
Turn again, O God of hosts! Look down from heaven, and see; have regard for this vine, 15 the stock that your right hand planted, and for the son whom you made strong for yourself. 16 They have burned it with fire; they have cut it down; may they perish at the rebuke of your face! 17 But let your hand be on the man of your right hand, the son of man whom you have made strong for yourself! 18 Then we shall not turn back from you; give us life, and we will call upon your name!
19 Restore us, O Lord God of hosts! Let your face shine, that we may be saved!
An excerpt from Matthew Henry’s commentary describes this passage: “Verses 17-19 The Messiah, the Protector and Saviour of the church, is the Man of God’s right hand; he is the Arm of the Lord, for all power is given to him. In him is our strength, by which we are enabled to persevere to the end. The vine, therefore, cannot be ruined, nor can any fruitful branch perish; but the unfruitful will be cut off and cast into the fire. The end of our redemption is, that we should serve Him who hath redeemed us, and not go back to our old sins.”
If you are wondering what the Lord of Hosts means, I found a very well founded answer from (Gotquestions.org) using Ken Hemphill’s recommended resource: The Names of God.
Question: “What does the Bible mean when it calls God the ‘LORD of hosts’?”
Answer: The name “LORD of hosts” occurs some 261 times in the Old Testament Scriptures. God is first called the “LORD of hosts” in 1 Samuel 1:3. The word LORD, capitalized, refers to Yahweh, the self-existent, redemptive God. The word hosts is a translation of the Hebrew word sabaoth, meaning “armies”—a reference to the angelic armies of heaven. Thus, another way of saying “LORD of hosts” is “God of the armies of heaven.” The NIV translates YHWH saboath as “LORD Almighty.”
This name for God first appears at the close of the period of the judges. In the same sentence as “LORD of hosts” is a reference to Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The Ark symbolized Yahweh’s rulership, among other things, for He sits enthroned above the cherubim (1 Samuel 4:4; Psalm 99:1). Some have suggested that ”LORD of hosts” reaffirms that God is the true Leader of Israel’s armies, in spite of the low spiritual condition of the nation of Israel at the time of the judges. In 1 Samuel 17:45, as part of his pre-fight verbal sparring with Goliath, David invokes this name of God. In doing so, David was claiming that God is the universal ruler over every force whether in heaven or on earth.
Soon after David’s defeat of Goliath, Israel would enter the international scene. It was necessary for the nation to realize that Yahweh was King even of the many other mighty nations. This kingship of the LORD of hosts is vividly expressed in Psalm 24:10: “Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory!” (ESV). He is the glorious King of Israel, and Zechariah 14:9 tells us that He will be King of the world, over all the kingdoms of the earth (cf. Isaiah 37:16).
Eventually, Yahweh of armies will put down all rebellion (Isaiah 24:21–23) and establish His Kingdom from Mt. Zion (Isaiah 31:4–5; 34:12). As the LORD of hosts, God is the all-powerful Ruler over the entire universe. All power and authority are His. He alone intervenes to provide victory for His people. He alone brings world peace. At the same time, He is available to hear the prayers of His people (Psalm 80:19). There is no other God like this.
The sovereign LORD of hosts has the grace to always be there for the one who comes to Him through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The King of glory, who commands the armies of heaven and who will eventually defeat all His enemies in this world, is none other than Jesus Christ. He is the LORD of hosts (Revelation 19:11–20).
Reconnection 