For those who hear the word of God’s kingdom without understanding, they are left in a fog. Just as a bird snatches a seed off the trail, the evil one snatches the word right from their heart. The path of worldly wisdom is hard like packed dirt. When we walk on this way with the multitudes, we will have little chance to bring forth fruit for the kingdom. In order to absorb God’s word and receive His wisdom into our hearts, we must prepare the soil of our hearts. Our first step of faith is pure obedience which grows into love for the Savior and flourishes with gratefulness as we give thanks for His will being done in our lives. – Teresa #enduringthetribulation #castingourcares #eyeswideopentoriches #hear&understand

Matthew 14: 18-23 (ESV)

The Parable of the Sower Explained

18 “Hear then the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.[d] 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

Footnotes

a Matthew 12:46 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 48, 49

b Matthew 12:46 Some manuscripts insert verse 47: Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak to you”

c Matthew 13:9 Some manuscripts add here and in verse 43 to hear

d Matthew 13:21 Or stumbles

Rebekah obeyed God’s direction for her. She was willing to move to a strange land in order to marry Isaac. Isaac was comforted by Rebekah (after the death of his mom, Sarah, four years prior). I imagine that Rebekah ran their household as Sarah did. She knew the customs of Isaac’s parents and this was comforting to Isaac. After 20 years (along with the prayers of her husband) she gave birth to twin boys! The legacy Rebekah bore in her womb consisted of two nations who would be divided, The younger (Jacob) would be stronger and the older (Esau) would serve him (Jacob’s new name would be Israel). Similarly, we also bear two natures- the fleshly and the spiritual. That part of us which desires to nurture the flesh is divided against that which desires to follow the Spirit. Let us not despise that great gift God gives to us (our spiritual inheritance through Jesus Christ the LORD). – Teresa #livethelegacy #loveGodandothers #sellallforthepearlofgreatprice #choosethebestnotheeasiest

Genesis 25: 19-24 (ESV)

19 These are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham fathered Isaac, 20 and Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean of Paddan-aram, the sister of Laban the Aramean, to be his wife. 21 And Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren. And the Lord granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 22 The children struggled together within her, and she said, “If it is thus, why is this happening to me?”[c] So she went to inquire of the Lord. 23 And the Lord said to her,

“Two nations are in your womb,

    and two peoples from within you[d] shall be divided;

the one shall be stronger than the other,

    the older shall serve the younger.”

24 When her days to give birth were completed, behold, there were twins in her womb. 25 The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. 26 Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding Esau’s heel, so his name was called Jacob.[e] Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.

27 When the boys grew up, Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents. 28 Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.

Esau Sells His Birthright

29 Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. 30 And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!” (Therefore his name was called Edom.[f]) 31 Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now.” 32 Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” 33 Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.

Footnotes

a Genesis 24:60 Or hate them

b Genesis 25:18 Hebrew fell

c Genesis 25:22 Or why do I live?

d Genesis 25:23 Or from birth

e Genesis 25:26 Jacob means He takes by the heel, or He cheats

f Genesis 25:30 Edom sounds like the Hebrew for red

g Genesis 26:8 Hebrew may suggest an intimate relationship

“Screwtape” was the name C.S.Lewis gave his character depicting a senior demon in his 1942 book, “Screwtape Letters”. Notice how God foreshadowed His plan for redemption from sin in the passage below, He outlined mankind’s original sin and the resulting curse, while alluding to the Savior who would be born (offspring of the woman) to crush Satan’s head. In the midst of deception and disobedience, God brings us good news of His mercy and justice. – Teresa #JesusChristheLord

Genesis 3: 1-19 ( ESV)

1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made.

He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You[a] shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise,[b] she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool[c] of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”[d] 10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

14 The Lord God said to the serpent,

“Because you have done this,

    cursed are you above all livestock

    and above all beasts of the field;

on your belly you shall go,

    and dust you shall eat

    all the days of your life.

15 

I will put enmity between you and the woman,

    and between your offspring[e] and her offspring;

he shall bruise your head,

    and you shall bruise his heel.”

16 To the woman he said,

“I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing;

    in pain you shall bring forth children.

Your desire shall be contrary to[f] your husband,

    but he shall rule over you.”

17 And to Adam he said,

“Because you have listened to the voice of your wife

    and have eaten of the tree

of which I commanded you,

    ‘You shall not eat of it,’

cursed is the ground because of you;

    in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;

18 

thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you;

    and you shall eat the plants of the field.

19 

By the sweat of your face

    you shall eat bread,

till you return to the ground,

    for out of it you were taken;

for you are dust,

    and to dust you shall return.”

Refreshing rain reminds me of the showers of blessing which quench our thirst during laborious days on the earth. Remembering His love -expressed to us in miraculous and very personal ways-is an important way for us to more easily pass it on to our families (the reason for our hope)! He has a loyal, steadfast love for us that is often masked by the pressures of earthly life. During Christmas, spending time in worship of Our Lord, let’s rediscover the showers of blessing that have satiated our thirsty lives? – Teresa #passiton #itonlytakesaspark #hopeflowsfromHim #takemebacktofirstlove

Psalm 143: 5-10 ((ESV)

5

I remember the days of old;

    I meditate on all that you have done;

    I ponder the work of your hands.

6 

I stretch out my hands to you;

    my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah

7 

Answer me quickly, O Lord!

    My spirit fails!

Hide not your face from me,

    lest I be like those who go down to the pit.

8 

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,

    for in you I trust.

Make me know the way I should go,

    for to you I lift up my soul.

9 

Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord!

    I have fled to you for refuge.[a]

10 

Teach me to do your will,

    for you are my God!

Let your good Spirit lead me

    on level ground!

At Calvary Baptist Church, (where I attended as early as a baby in the nursery), we were blessed by many powerful sermons from pastors and missionaries. One Sunday, Ben Bertell spoke on this passage and promptly sang a song straight from the scripture (v. 17). His deep bass voice resonated joyfully as the teenagers (including myself), self-consciously smiled at each other but willingly sang along. His parents attended our church and when I was just 7 or 8 years old, they made a wooden cradle with a doll plus a handmade mattress, clothing and blankets to present to me. It was totally unexpected and secretly loved. All of us who were brought up to love God in that church had joy because it was the safety of this small community that gave us courage to spread our wings later into the world at large. Reading this passage again today reminded me of that beautiful Sunday. – Teresa #loudjoyfulsinging #Hislove

Zephaniah 1:14-17 (ESV)

Israel’s Joy and Restoration

14 

Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion;

    shout, O Israel!

Rejoice and exult with all your heart,

    O daughter of Jerusalem!

15 

The Lord has taken away the judgments against you;

    he has cleared away your enemies.

The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;

    you shall never again fear evil.

16 

On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:

“Fear not, O Zion;

    let not your hands grow weak.

17 

The Lord your God is in your midst,

    a mighty one who will save;

he will rejoice over you with gladness;

    he will quiet you by his love;

he will exult over you with loud singing.

If all the holiday activities have left you weary and worn out, then look at the words of wisdom in Proverbs 30. There is One who ascended to heaven to atone for us by the healing of our sin sickness. He come down to earth to create a new and living way. Jesus Christ the Lord has been named both Savior and Lord. God’s word is true and records the historical significance of this earth-shattering event. – Teresa #hecamefromheaventoearth #mydebtopay

Proverbs 30:1-6 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Words of Agur

30 The words of Agur son of Jakeh. The oracle.[a]

The man declares, I am weary, O God;

    I am weary, O God, and worn out.[b]

2 

Surely I am too stupid to be a man.

    I have not the understanding of a man.

3 

I have not learned wisdom,

    nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.

4 

Who has ascended to heaven and come down?

    Who has gathered the wind in his fists?

Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?

    Who has established all the ends of the earth?

What is his name, and what is his son’s name?

    Surely you know!

5 Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

6 Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. – Proverbs 30:1-6

Footnotes:

a Proverbs 30:1 Or Jakeh, the man of Massa

b Proverbs 30:1 Revocalization; Hebrew The man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal

Hebrews 10:19-23 (ESV)

19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,

20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,

21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,

22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. – Hebrews 10:19-23

Listening to “Waymaker” by Leeland, I was amazed to think of all the ways that Jesus’ healing touch has found so many. Not just for those of us celebrating during this season but He touches internationally every tribe, nation, tongue for eternity. Has He done a miracle for you? Then, worship Him. Do you need a miracle? Then, ask Him to help you understand the height, depth and breadth of His love for you. You will surely be touched with joy! – Teresa

John 15:13 (ESV)

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. – John 15:13

A few things we truly need, such as food and shelter. So many other things (once owned) become anchors, tying us down. Do they really own us and our time? Freedom exists in being content with little or much, realizing that either situation is a gift from God. More importantly, when I love the Father, I will do His will. This means first, loving Him above all else and then loving others as myself! How much time this holiday season will we spend desiring the world system- proud of our possessions? – Teresa #Godislove #IJohn4:16 #eternaltreasure

I John 2:15-17 (ESV)

Do Not Love the World

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life[c]—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Footnotes:

a 1 John 2:8 Or that

b 1 John 2:10 Or it

c 1 John 2:16 Or pride in possessions

English Standard Version (ESV)

When I hear the song lyric, “into marvelous light I’m running…” by Charlie Hall, I’m reminded of this passage. In ch. 2, verse 9 below …”that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into marvelous light” shows us the result of being ready for action. Girding up the loins of our mind (v. 13 of chapter 1) refers to running a race as though we were at the early Greek Olympics. Who is the one who made it possible for us to move from darkness to light? The lamb without blemish is Jesus Christ the Lord. He provided healing from sin sickness and made a way for us to be restored in relationship with the Father. – Teresa #GodintendsforutobeHis #donotrejectHisGiftofsalvation #runintolight #outofdarknessandshame #transformationisadailychoice

I Peter 1:13-2:10 English Standard Version (ESV)

Called to Be Holy

13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action,[a] and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 24 for

“All flesh is like grass

    and all its glory like the flower of grass.

The grass withers,

    and the flower falls,

25 

but the word of the Lord remains forever.”

And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

A Living Stone and a Holy People

2 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture:

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,

    a cornerstone chosen and precious,

and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,

“The stone that the builders rejected

    has become the cornerstone,”[b]

8 and

“A stone of stumbling,

    and a rock of offense.”

They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Footnotes:

a 1 Peter 1:13 Greek girding up the loins of your mind

b 1 Peter 2:7 Greek the head of the corner

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

The road we took to Porcupine Lake was so rough and full of potholes that the view of Mount Shasta was clouded by the dust of our “4-wheel drive”. We were more exhausted from being “shaken up” at the end of the day than from from the hike itself! The fact that we can be shaken indicates our mortality. One day our great God will shake not only the earth but also the heavens. For those who spurn His word, this will be a terrifying moment. For those who fear Him, we will not be disappointed. Eternity will become our present moment. – Teresa #Hesetseternityinourhearts #temporaryvs.eternal #mortalvs.immortality

Hebrews 12:18-29 (ESV)

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.

Footnotes:

a Hebrews 12:23 Or church

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.