After attending a workshop on happiness, I learned about the power of intention. Every day we wake up with an intention. The result of Solomon’s intention in this passage was: the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord when the ark of the covenant rested under the wings of the cherubim. Solomon acted wisely by giving honor to God in the assembly of the people. Solomon fulfilled his part in bringing about God’s promise to David, building a house for God- the temple. What is the intent of our hearts? Do we possess a singlehearted devotion to live our lives in light of His promises?-Teresa

I Kings 8: 8-21 (ESV)

8 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers’ houses of the people of Israel, before King Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion. 2 And all the men of Israel assembled to King Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month. 3 And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark. 4 And they brought up the ark of the Lord, the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the tent; the priests and the Levites brought them up. 5 And King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who had assembled before him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered. 6 Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place in the inner sanctuary of the house, in the Most Holy Place, underneath the wings of the cherubim. 7 For the cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark, so that the cherubim overshadowed the ark and its poles. 8 And the poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the Holy Place before the inner sanctuary; but they could not be seen from outside. And they are there to this day. 9 There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets of stone that Moses put there at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the people of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt. 10 And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord, 11 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.

Solomon Blesses the Lord

12 Then Solomon said, “The Lord[a] has said that he would dwell in thick darkness. 13 I have indeed built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever.” 14 Then the king turned around and blessed all the assembly of Israel, while all the assembly of Israel stood. 15 And he said, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who with his hand has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to David my father, saying, 16 ‘Since the day that I brought my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel in which to build a house, that my name might be there. But I chose David to be over my people Israel.’ 17 Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. 18 But the Lord said to David my father, ‘Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well that it was in your heart. 19 Nevertheless, you shall not build the house, but your son who shall be born to you shall build the house for my name.’ 20 Now the Lord has fulfilled his promise that he made. For I have risen in the place of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the Lord promised, and I have built the house for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. 21 And there I have provided a place for the ark, in which is the covenant of the Lord that he made with our fathers, when he brought them out of the land of Egypt.”

Peter and John asked for a chance to continue speaking for the truth of the gospel. This was granted as the Holy Spirit filled them with boldness. Whose name can bring salvation? The good news of the gospel proclaims Jesus as Lord.- Teresa #Jesusthecornerstone #howgreatHislove #1John 3:1,2

Acts 4: 11-14, 23-31 (ESV)

11 This Jesus[a] is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.[b] 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men[c] by which we must be saved.”

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition.

…23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant,[d] said by the Holy Spirit,

“‘Why did the Gentiles rage,

and the peoples plot in vain?

26 

The kings of the earth set themselves,

and the rulers were gathered together,

against the Lord and against his Anointed’[e]—

27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

When Mary Magdalene was face to face with the risen Lord, she did not recognize Him. The shadow of dire circumstances distracted her from seeing the reality before her. Something about the voice of Jesus saying her name jolted her back to reality. Although unlawful to use a woman’s testimony in court, Jesus chose to show himself to Mary first in order to bring the news of His resurrection to the other disciples. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead was the final sign given in the gospel of John to prove His deity as the Son of God: one “Being” with three persons (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). – Teresa #faith #believeinordertoreceiveternalife

John 20: 11-18, 30,31 (ESV)

11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic,[b] “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

…30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Using the wind to navigate, sailors skillfully make their way to safe harbor. Good men and godly women are powered by the wind of the Holy Spirit to live courageously by pointing others to safe harbor (aka faith) in Christ Jesus. Although Mary Magdalene had been demon possessed, Jesus freed her from bondage and she devoted her life to Him through His death and after His resurrection. Joseph of Arimethea and Nicodemus were both members of the Sanhedrin (good men) who secretly believed in the Lordship of Jesus. They were instrumental in honoring our Lord in his extreme sacrifice (death on the cross for the sin of the world). – Teresa #breatheonus #webelieve #helpourunbelief

John 19:24b-27, 38-42 (ESV)

So the soldiers did these things, 25 but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus[b] by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds[c] in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

As plans blossom in our hearts, God establishes our steps…with the plan that lead to righteousness. Injustice may bring about revenue for a time but far better is just a little, with righteousness. It may not always be glamorous to live wisely but through wisdom, the house is established with rare and beautiful treasures in every room. – Teresa #Proverbs23:3,4

Proverbs 16:8-9 (ESV)

8 

Better is a little with righteousness

than great revenues with injustice.

9 

The heart of man plans his way,

but the Lord establishes his steps.

If you inherited riches would you delight in your good fortune? Even so, as we seek God wholeheartedly and keep His wisdom close to our hearts, we too can delight at the way it works in our favor. Purity in life’s experience is not a natural human phenomenon but it does occur with the supernatural help of God’s word. – Teresa #rejoiceinHislaws

Psalm119:9-16 (ESV)

Beth

9 

How can a young man keep his way pure?

By guarding it according to your word.

10 

With my whole heart I seek you;

let me not wander from your commandments!

11 

I have stored up your word in my heart,

that I might not sin against you.

12 

Blessed are you, O Lord;

teach me your statutes!

13 

With my lips I declare

all the rules[c] of your mouth.

14 

In the way of your testimonies I delight

as much as in all riches.

15 

I will meditate on your precepts

and fix my eyes on your ways.

16 

I will delight in your statutes;

I will not forget your word.

“Ready Player One” is an interesting audible story about the glory of a man-made creation that changes the course of fictitious life in 2112 and beyond. The work of human hands and minds can be amazing but trusting God is always larger than life itself and greater than anything we could ask or imagine. When the circumstances look bleak, God can change inanimate hearts into those who trust His power and protection.- Teresa #heartofstone #heartofflesh

Psalm 115 

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory,

for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

2 

Why should the nations say,

“Where is their God?”

3 

Our God is in the heavens;

he does all that he pleases.

4 

Their idols are silver and gold,

the work of human hands.

5 

They have mouths, but do not speak;

eyes, but do not see.

6 

They have ears, but do not hear;

noses, but do not smell.

7 

They have hands, but do not feel;

feet, but do not walk;

and they do not make a sound in their throat.

8 

Those who make them become like them;

so do all who trust in them.

9 

O Israel,[a] trust in the Lord!

He is their help and their shield.

10 

O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord!

He is their help and their shield.

11 

You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord!

He is their help and their shield.

12 

The Lord has remembered us; he will bless us;

he will bless the house of Israel;

he will bless the house of Aaron;

13 

he will bless those who fear the Lord,

both the small and the great.

Just as Abel’s life was cut short by Cain, salvation from man’s help is short-lived or vain. God’s help alone provides eternal life and salvation from sin. God so loved… that he gave (John 3:16). Full healing from sin sickness comes as we put our faith in the name of Jesus (aka his trustworthy character). Our foes of sin, sickness and death no longer hold sway over our lives. The sting of sin is death but He has conquered the grave. – Teresa

Psalm 108:12, 13 ( ESV)

Oh grant us help against the foe,

for vain is the salvation of man!

13 

With God we shall do valiantly;

it is he who will tread down our foes

When Hannah despaired at the bitterness of her lot (not able to conceive) with a healthy dose of a rival who rubbed it in her face, she turned to God. Her prayer was honest and she meant every word. What she asked for was a son whom she would in turn set apart for God’s service. Although the priest misunderstood what she was about (thought she was drunk), Hannah explained the intensity of her prayer- “pouring out her soul” to God. Eli did not realize that the favor he gave to Hannah that day would make up for what was lacking in his own family, children who feared God. Samuel was born and after he was weaned became an apprentice to Eli. Hannah was no longer sad once she received favor from the one who spoke for God. Her faith was in the correct place, which buoyed her soul. – Teresa #cryoutoJesus #ourgreathighpriest

1 Samuel 1:9-18 (ESV)

9 After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. 10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. 11 And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”

12 As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. 14 And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.” 15 But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. 16 Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.” 17 Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” 18 And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.

He who descended from heaven is the Son of Man. When He was lifted up (on the cross for our sin), God showed us how much He loves the world. Jesus Christ the LORD has the authority to ascend back into heaven and to bring us with Him to glory, including all who believe in him. – Teresa #Heisable

John 3:3-15 (ESV)

9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you[f] do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.[g] 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.[h]