After breathing smoky air for weeks, we were refreshed when the cool breezes and marine layer moved in yesterday. The rays of sunlight speak of God’s glory and deliverance. Whether or not we have been delivered from a life threatening ordeal (as I was at age 15 when our greyhound bus escaped collision with a semi, while I watched God’s miracle of widening the road), His presence around us equates His love. Living our life mindful of the truth of His presence brings Him glory. In Daniel Coyle’s book, The Culture Code, the author writes about a student who invented short stories of “Johnny McTough”. All the writers in the group enjoyed these stories immensely as they spoke to a cultural phenomenon of superheroes who feel they can operate as independent agents without a need for anyone else. The truth is that by working together we are more effective and fulfilled- even attaining to feats of greatness that defy all odds. God answers when we seek Him, He changes our faces to radiant and with all the saints we remember His deliverance. – Teresa #atasteofthingstocome

Psalm 34: 4-10 (ESV)

I sought the Lord, and he answered me

and delivered me from all my fears.

5

Those who look to him are radiant,

and their faces shall never be ashamed.

6

This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him

and saved him out of all his troubles.

7

The angel of the Lord encamps

around those who fear him, and delivers them.

8

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!

Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

9

Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,

for those who fear him have no lack!

10

The young lions suffer want and hunger;

but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

The stream of water which nourishes this tree is metaphorical but equated to knowing God’s laws. In turn, God knows the way of the righteous. The path that is straight or righteous keeps those who are seeking God from drying up and blowing away. Knowledge puffs up but love builds up. It is not just knowledge that makes the difference but the relationship that nourishes our soul. – Teresa #SaultoPaul

#zealotfortruthbecomesprisonerforChrist

Psalm 1 (ESV)

1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;

6 for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. – Psalms 1

Corinthians 8 English Standard Version (ESV)

Food Offered to Idols

8 Now concerning[a] food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.[b]

A bit or bridle is used on a horse to keep it close by. When we have a true understanding of God’s love, we will not stray far from Him. His eye is upon us as He instructs and counsels on the narrow way. At times, we may feel that we don’t have enough strength, skill or passion to move forward but as we cast our cares upon Him, He provides a glimpse of His love. The joy we see in His eye is our strength. – Teresa #puredelight

Psalm 32:8-11 (ESV)

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

9

Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,

which must be curbed with bit and bridle,

or it will not stay near you.

10

Many are the sorrows of the wicked,

but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.

11

Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous,

and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Setting our hearts toward the entreaty of God, some may choose to fast or abstain from food, frivolous activity, or anything that would compete with devotion to God. For those who choose a liquid fast, the body may feel discomfort, craving the usual routine of three solid meals. In those times of “hunger” our hearts and desires can focus more intensely on God receiving that which satisfies more completely than food. A praise chorus “Hungry for You” by Bonnie Low- says it well… “needing your touch, just the touch of your hand…shower down Your sweet, sweet rain on my thirsty land.” Ezra was from the priestly line of Aaron. God chose him to lead the people in restoring the temple at Jerusalem. He first assembled the people (about 1500 men) to return with him. Upon discovering that there were no Levites to assist the priests, he recruited Levitical support to be part of this huge undertaking. Proclaiming a fast, they humbled themselves before God. Best of all, God listened to their entreaty for protection. When we see God’s hand at work, our lives are a witness to Him. – Teresa #Hisgreatwork #Ourgreatneed #recognizingthestrengthofcommunity

Ezra 8:21-9:15 and vv.31-34 English Standard Version (ESV)

Fasting and Prayer for Protection

21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. 22 For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” 23 So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.

31 Then we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambushes by the way. 32 We came to Jerusalem, and there we remained three days. 33 On the fourth day, within the house of our God, the silver and the gold and the vessels were weighed into the hands of Meremoth the priest, son of Uriah, and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas, and with them were the Levites, Jozabad the son of Jeshua and Noadiah the son of Binnui. 34 The whole was counted and weighed, and the weight of everything was recorded.

As I get older, I realize that my husband and I although united on our values can still see some things completely the opposite. There is wisdom in this book, “Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus” by John Gray. For example, I read the Bible passage below this morning and heard the subsequent sermon on “waiting”. Immediately, I thought that one day in heaven all would be glorious- its worth the wait. Whereas my husband visualized the good things in store for us here on the earth. If hormones are clouding my vision, then I may even construe a heartfelt martyr scenario requiring me to lay down my life for everyone else #codependent. Deep down, I knew my huband was right I have history with the Psalmist’s reference here to the land of the living since this is what gave me courage to keep going after the tragic death of my brother. The important truth is to take time to cry out and wait for God. When we trust His deliverance, no matter what planet we’re from, we will see His goodness in the right time. -Teresa #thankfulforMartianlove

Psalm 27:7-14 (ESV)

7 

Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;

be gracious to me and answer me!

8 

You have said, “Seek[a] my face.”

My heart says to you,

“Your face, Lord, do I seek.”[b]

9 

Hide not your face from me.

Turn not your servant away in anger,

O you who have been my help.

Cast me not off; forsake me not,

O God of my salvation!

10 

For my father and my mother have forsaken me,

but the Lord will take me in.

11 

Teach me your way, O Lord,

and lead me on a level path

because of my enemies.

12 

Give me not up to the will of my adversaries;

for false witnesses have risen against me,

and they breathe out violence.

13 

I believe that I shall look[c] upon the goodness of the Lord

in the land of the living!

14 

Wait for the Lord;

be strong, and let your heart take courage;

wait for the Lord!

God’s great salvation was given but not without price. Do we recognize the gift poured into our lives through His suffering and death? For to whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48 KJV). Our heart’s test is to see what we do in response to His grace and mercy. The beauty of blessing the next generation is to leave a legacy of wisdom and gratefulness. In humility our boasting ceases and God is glorified. – Teresa #faithfulwithlittle #entrustedwithmuch #Hemakesallthingsnew #HezekiahsdetrimentalFBboast

2 Chronicles 32: 24-31 (ESV)

24 In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death, and he prayed to the Lord, and he answered him and gave him a sign. 25 But Hezekiah did not make return according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud. Therefore wrath came upon him and Judah and Jerusalem. 26 But Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the Lord did not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah.

27 And Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, and he made for himself treasuries for silver, for gold, for precious stones, for spices, for shields, and for all kinds of costly vessels; 28 storehouses also for the yield of grain, wine, and oil; and stalls for all kinds of cattle, and sheepfolds. 29 He likewise provided cities for himself, and flocks and herds in abundance, for God had given him very great possessions. 30 This same Hezekiah closed the upper outlet of the waters of Gihon and directed them down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works. 31 And so in the matter of the envoys of the princes of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart.

Upon arriving at the mission to bring God’s word to the women last week, I was overcome with emotion at one song on our playlist, “I can only Imagine”. Broken and spilled out at the memory of my brother’s anniversary to glory, I wondered if I had the strength to fulfill my entrusted ministry. After texting my prayer sisters, they surrounded me with encouragements and prayer. One of the text describes this beautiful Psalm 23 passage better than I could, “God restores the things in our lives we think are forever gone. He restores your soul. He leads you down the right path. He prepares a table to partake of Him even in the presence of your enemies. Your cup overflows because His goodness and love will pursue you all the days of your life.❤️”- Teresa #Hepursuesusforgood #faithnotsight #comfortedbyrodandstaff

A Psalm of David. (ESV)

23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.[a]

3

He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness[b]

for his name’s sake.

4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,[c]

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

5

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

6

Surely[d] goodness and mercy[e] shall follow me

all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell[f] in the house of the Lord

forever.[g]

Footnotes:

a Psalm 23:2 Hebrew beside waters of rest

b Psalm 23:3 Or in right paths

c Psalm 23:4 Or the valley of deep darkness

d Psalm 23:6 Or Only

e Psalm 23:6 Or steadfast love

f Psalm 23:6 Or shall return to dwell

g Psalm 23:6 Hebrew for length of days

Proverbs 20:7 English Standard Version (ESV)

7 The righteous who walks in his integrity—

blessed are his children after him!

Both my father (with the red hunting shirt) and my husband’s father, are examples of this verse. Through the good times and bad, they have always displayed a consistent trust in God and commitment towards a life of integrity. Their children have been blessed because of it! Blessing in the Old Testament Hebrew culture carried with it a sense of abundance and tangible inheritance. Our fathers delight(ed) in the law of the Lord by reminding themselves of His law day and night. They are like trees planted by rivers of water, bringing forth their fruit in season. Their leaves won’t whither and whatever they do prospers. (See Psalm 1) There is something to be said for not walking in the counsel of the ungodly, or standing in the way of sinners or sitting in the seat of mockers. My goal is to persevere in the workplace as many years as my father did. He provided an example of “sisu”- the Finnish word for keeping on in the midst of difficulty. Through it, he provided for his family an inheritance that would help care for physical needs for many years (even up to 20 years after his death). More importantly, he displayed the character qualities that inspire me to be an example for my family as well.

Psalm 1 (NIV)

1 Blessed is the one

who does not walk in step with the wicked

or stand in the way that sinners take

or sit in the company of mockers,

2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,

and who meditates on his law day and night.

3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,

which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither-

whatever they do prospers.

There are times when the boundaries of our lives may feel like barbed wire. While we long for “freedom”, we are also reminded that the sweetness of success will carry a responsibility or a “cross to bear”. As we take up our cross daily to follow Him, He brings the needed support to endure and the joyful truth that we can enjoy the sweetness of fellowship with Him. The Psalmist describes it as being sweeter than honey in the honeycomb. -Teresa #Jesuscametofulfillthelaw. #fulfillmeanscomplete #Jesusisthelogos

2 Chronicles 16: 8b, 9 (ESV)

Yet because you relied on the Lord, he gave them into your hand. 9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless[g] toward him.

Psalms 19: 1-11. (ESV)

19 

The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the sky above[a] proclaims his handiwork.

2 

Day to day pours out speech,

and night to night reveals knowledge.

3 

There is no speech, nor are there words,

whose voice is not heard.

4 

Their voice[b] goes out through all the earth,

and their words to the end of the world.

In them he has set a tent for the sun,

5 

which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,

and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.

6 

Its rising is from the end of the heavens,

and its circuit to the end of them,

and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7 

The law of the Lord is perfect,[c]

reviving the soul;

the testimony of the Lord is sure,

making wise the simple;

8 

the precepts of the Lord are right,

rejoicing the heart;

the commandment of the Lord is pure,

enlightening the eyes;

9 

the fear of the Lord is clean,

enduring forever;

the rules[d] of the Lord are true,

and righteous altogether.

10 

More to be desired are they than gold,

even much fine gold;

sweeter also than honey

and drippings of the honeycomb.

11 

Moreover, by them is your servant warned;

in keeping them there is great reward.

This beautiful sunrise greeted my husband and me as we walked home from the coffee shop earlier this month. Immediately, our minds went to that word-magnify. He is so much greater and so much more capable of handling the struggles of this life than we are. Indeed, we must stop feeling indebted to the “payback” mentality which ruled our flesh by fear. Instead, we must endure suffering as those with a great hope. This hope provides freedom from fear and promises the glory of God to show up in our lives. Why? Because we are His children. “Abba, father” literally means “daddy” or “Papa”. Which of you would give a snake to their child who asks for a fish? Even so the Father will provide the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him (see Matthew 7:9-11).

The trinity is God the father, Jesus the son and the promised Holy Spirit. They work together in unity to provide everything the human condition needs. We can indeed approach the Father through the atoning sacrifice of the Son. Jesus, in turn, sends the Holy Spirit (when we believe) as a deposit, assuring us of our heavenly inheritance. Together, they provide our need for “family” fellowship even while we are in our earthly bodies. – Teresa #nocondemnation #lawoftheSpiritoflifesetsusfree #freedomfromthelawofsinandeath

Romans 8: 9-25 (ESV)

You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus[a] from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Heirs with Christ

12 So then, brothers,[b] we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons[c] of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.