God’s gift is not the perfect human specimen but is the pleasure of eating, drinking and being able to provide (aka work).
When God puts eternity in the heart of man, He inserts a longing for heaven. We may not understand the fullness of that longing but can relate to the feeling, as C.S.Lewis describes it.*
Everything is made beautiful in time by our great Creator. Someday, when we join our Savior in heaven, we will reflect the Father’s glory. It is His plan and purpose exponentially understood and experienced that creates perfect beauty.
Be encouraged because although things are not perfect here, we can still partake of God’s gift.- -Teresa #resting #enjoying #expecting
* (see Focus on the Family Canada), Written by Subby Szterszky “Longing for a far country never visited”.
Ecclesiastes 1:9-13 (ESV)
The God-Given Task
9 What gain has the worker from his toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12 I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; 13 also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.
A good name and favor are from God, reflecting the character qualities that He seeks to develop in us.
Great riches, silver or gold are from the world, wages for our labor/contribution to society/or even inheritance from our biological family.
Some have chosen the latter and forfeited their good name to obtain it (i.e. scammers, criminals, shady dealers, wishy-washy Kings who lost their faith).
The writer of this passage in the wisdom literature (Proverbs) exhorts us to choose a good name and favor, first and foremost. Many believe Solomon wrote this chapter in the book of Proverbs, which makes it even clearer. Realizing that his character reputation as the “wisest man on earth” was tarnished, Solomon may have had to own up (eat crow) for the reason he lost faith. By turning to wealth, not God, he became a follower and no longer a strong, godly leader in his home or marriage(s).
After reviewing materials yesterday from my last “coping skills” class on boundaries, I thought of five incidents in the past few weeks where my lack of boundaries made me vulnerable and opened the fortress (so to speak) of my good character/name. No amount of money/wealth is worth that.
As an exercise for myself, I made 5 “rules” to help maintain the fortress (my healthy boundaries) and keep me looking to Jesus: 1. don’t over give, 2. let it go (when it’s another’s misperception, not my issue), 3. recognize and never compete with a psychologically unstable person- (no matter how many degrees they have after their name), 4. always be kind but keep it truthful and 5. maintain a safe distance, both physically and emotionally (from those who are explosive).
I am grateful for Solomon’s wisdom as he had God-given favor. I am also grateful for time to consider how I can improve, personally. – Teresa #Godswordistruth #nonverbalcommunicationcansaylovebest
Proverbs 22:1English Standard Version
22 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.
Queen Esther was taken in as a child by Mordecai, a family relative. She looked to Mordecai as a father since he protected her.
Even in the palace, Esther followed Mordecai’s instructions. She was blessed because of it. Not only was she blessed but the entire Jewish nation was blessed. Mordecai feared God and followed Him first.
Who do you know that has modeled following God first? I’m not talking about someone with only elaborate prayers/words but also able to walk steadfastly and faithfully, caring for the 10 relationships that God entrusts to each person. #GilSteiglitz #leadership #ptlb (principles to live by)
Anger can cause action, as in this passage when King Ahasuerus “fired” Queen Vashti. This week, I attended session 5 of coping skills and learned that anger can sometimes be misplaced. For example, if I’m in an emotionally abusive relationship but continue to take responsibility for its success, anger/frustration can turn inward (when it should actually be a signal to walk away from said relationship).
Those who cannot recognize their worth because of the load of dung deposited on them by others are not thinking truthfully. Poor Esther, she had to be the Queen after Vashti. Ahasuerus sounds to me like he may have been emotionally abusive (at the least we know he surrounded himself with very poor advisers). #narcissist #showoff
Esther did not react like Vashti, however. She trusted God’s deliverance and her kind heart at convincing the king that proud Haman was deserving of death (for pronouncing extermination of the Jews).
Sometimes we cannot escape the “said” relationship, but God is able to provide wisdom and support. Surrounding Ahasuerus with grace, Esther blessed his life as well.- Teresa #trust #courage
Esther 2:1-18 (ESV)
After these things, when the anger of King Ahasuerus had abated, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decreed against her. 2 Then the king’s young men who attended him said, “Let beautiful young virgins be sought out for the king. 3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom to gather all the beautiful young virgins to the harem in Susa the citadel, under custody of Hegai, the king’s eunuch, who is in charge of the women. Let their cosmetics be given them. 4 And let the young woman who pleases the king[d] be queen instead of Vashti.” This pleased the king, and he did so.
5 Now there was a Jew in Susa the citadel whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjaminite, 6 who had been carried away from Jerusalem among the captives carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away.7 He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter. 8 So when the king’s order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many young women were gathered in Susa the citadel in custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king’s palace and put in custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women. 9 And the young woman pleased him and won his favor. And he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and her portion of food, and with seven chosen young women from the king’s palace, and advanced her and her young women to the best place in the harem. 10 Esther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mordecai had commanded her not to make it known. 11 And every day Mordecai walked in front of the court of the harem to learn how Esther was and what was happening to her.
12 Now when the turn came for each young woman to go in to King Ahasuerus, after being twelve months under the regulations for the women, since this was the regular period of their beautifying, six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices and ointments for women— 13 when the young woman went in to the king in this way, she was given whatever she desired to take with her from the harem to the king’s palace. 14 In the evening she would go in, and in the morning she would return to the second harem in custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch, who was in charge of the concubines. She would not go in to the king again, unless the king delighted in her and she was summoned by name.
15 When the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king’s eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her. 16 And when Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign, 17 the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown[e] on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. 18 Then the king gave a great feast for all his officials and servants; it was Esther’s feast. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces and gave gifts with royal generosity.
Nehemiah not only wept over the broken walls of Jerusalem but he also took the appropriate action (fasting and prayer). He remembered God’s promises to Moses and spoke them in his prayer.
When we speak God’s word in prayer, he is honored. When we trust Him for His intervention, He will prosper the actions built on His word.
At every moment of nervousness or uncertainty, Nehemiah prayed and God opened the door for him.
We should not worry about the distraction but allow it to help us become more determined to notice what is going on inside. Inside of Nehemiah was intense sadness/grief.
I felt that the learning I received yesterday (from Coping Strategies #4) applied even to this passage. When my mind gets distracted by the rubble around me- I can still be mindful of the Lord’s plan in the midst. My emotions are signaling what I need to process (grief, pain, the discomfort of change).
What if my own life’s walls have come to disrepair? (relationships, trauma, illness)… Have I taken time to grieve and build up what is most important? (The joy of the Lord is your strength- Nehemiah 8:10)
When God opens the door, I can then be ready to step through with confidence!! #prayedup
Here’s some music to restore strength aka the “joy of the Lord”… Egypt by Cory Asbury. He is great and we can always remember His word, because of His covenant nature.-Teresa #embracedistraction
Nehemiah chapters 1 & 2 (ESV)
1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah.
Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, 2 that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.”
Nehemiah’s Prayer
4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 5 And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments,6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. 8 Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, 9 but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.’10 They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. 11 O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”
Now I was cupbearer to the king.
Nehemiah Sent to Judah
2 In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, I took up the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had not been sad in his presence. 2 And the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid. 3 I said to the king, “Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”4 Then the king said to me, “What are you requesting?” So I prayed to the God of heaven.5 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ graves, that I may rebuild it.” 6 And the king said to me (the queen sitting beside him), “How long will you be gone, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me when I had given him a time. 7 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors of the province Beyond the River, that they may let me pass through until I come to Judah, 8 and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress of the temple, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall occupy.” And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me.
Nehemiah Inspects Jerusalem’s Walls
9 Then I came to the governors of the province Beyond the River and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent with me officers of the army and horsemen. 10 But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant heard this, it displeased them greatly that someone had come to seek the welfare of the people of Israel.
11 So I went to Jerusalem and was there three days.12 Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. And I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem. There was no animal with me but the one on which I rode. 13 I went out by night by the Valley Gate to the Dragon Spring and to the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire. 14 Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and to the King’s Pool, but there was no room for the animal that was under me to pass.15 Then I went up in the night by the valley and inspected the wall, and I turned back and entered by the Valley Gate, and so returned. 16 And the officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, and I had not yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, and the rest who were to do the work.
17 Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” 18 And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work. 19 But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they jeered at us and despised us and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” 20 Then I replied to them, “The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build, but you have no portion or right or claim[a] in Jerusalem.”
Daniel was without guile, the king was going to appoint him over all other rulers in his kingdom. Until, the “leaders” at that time proved they were green with envy. Envious enough to have Daniel thrown to the lions. For what crime? Because he faithfully prayed to Yahweh three times a day. They maliciously thought, “we will have everyone pray to the ‘king’, knowing Daniel will not.” The king was tricked into executing his best employee.
What was Daniel’s response? He kept doing what he knew was right, honoring the first commandment. (No other gods before YHWH)
He is not called the “only wise God” for nothing, He deserves glory. He rescued Daniel because He was the ultimate judge (not the “leaders”). He determined that Daniel was innocent and therefore protected him.
God shut the mouths of the lions. He can also shut the mouths of any devouring Spirit, hell-bent on destruction. Have I put Him first in my allegiance? Have I trusted my vulnerable life to His authoritative outcome?
This was my 3rd week of attending coping skills. I learned that the unbidden emotions that sometimes erupt out of nowhere can actually be useful and reveal what the “hot oven” is in my circumstances. Can I change it or do I ultimately have the peace/ability to accept it?
I think Daniel was able to accept his fate because he knew that God was the ultimate authority. #strengthened
His “fate” ended up being a tremendous display of glory to God. #victory #justice #peace- Teresa
Romans 16:25 (ESV)
25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Daniel 6: 19-27 (NET)
In the morning, at the earliest sign of daylight, the king got up and rushed to the lions’ den. 20 As he approached the den, he called out to Daniel in a worried voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, was your God whom you continually serve able to rescue you from the lions?” 21 Then Daniel spoke to the king, “O king, live forever! 22My God sent his angel and closed the lions’ mouths so that they have not harmed me, because I was found to be innocent before him. Nor have I done any harm to you, O king.” 23 Then the king was delighted and gave an order to haul Daniel up from the den. So Daniel was hauled up out of the den. He had no injury of any kind, because he had trusted in his God. 24 The king gave another order, and those men who had maliciously accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the lions’ den – they, their children, and their wives. They did not even reach the bottom of the den before the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones. 25 Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and language groups who were living in all the land: “Peace and prosperity! 26 I have issued an edict that throughout all the dominion of my kingdom people are to revere and fear the God of Daniel. “For he is the living God; he endures forever. His kingdom will not be destroyed; his authority is forever. 27 He rescues and delivers and performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions!”
David’s life was filled with persecution. His words spoke prophetically of the Son of Man’s experience as well.
In my life, when it appears that the worst will happen I am faced with an important decision- to keep trusting the LORD. Mocking or scorn may make this difficult, especially from an earthly perspective.
From a heavenly perspective, however, I am encouraged to see the “porch view” of my heavenly mansion. Jesus promised us a heavenly home. A dwelling place that He is preparing for us. (John 14: 1-4)
Being “in Christ” means that I am already dwelling in the realization of His atonement for me. One day, where He is- there I will be also. The dwelling of God will be the believer’s home as well.
Who alone can break the curse of sin? Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, God’s Son. Thank you, Lord, for enduring persecution. – Teresa #focusontheFather #yourwillbedone
Psalm 22:1-18 (ESV)
22 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? 2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.
3 Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises[a] of Israel. 4 In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. 5 To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.
6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. 7 All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; 8 “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!”
9 Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts. 10 On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother’s womb you have been my God. 11 Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help.
12 Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me; 13 they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion.
14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; 15 my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death.
16 For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet[b]— 17 I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; 18 they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.Read full chapter
It’s been hot here in Northern CA. You can see from this photo I took last Saturday that only the plants near the water are really green. #staynearthesource
The fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom, yet how much time do I spend, showing Him reverence? #natureisHisanctuary
If I truly believed that harm would not visit me but rather I would rest satisfied, surely I would cultivate this time spent with Him.
In my second coping skills class, I learned about “unhealthy” ways to deal with stress, that actually bring harm to the individual. We talked about everything from ruminating to hostility. By acknowledging the way I deal with stress, I can understand myself better. #acknowledgetheHolyOnetoUnderstandbetter
What I desire is steadfast love, which is not always given in family relationships. Truth is important (especially being honest with myself). What do I truly need? Finding those needs met in the LORD, I can rest in faith.
It takes faith to let go of my desires and take hold of God’s word. – Teresa #faithfultoHim
Proverbs 19:22-23English Standard Version
22 What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar. 23 The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.
Proverbs 9:10 NET The beginning of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and acknowledging the Holy One is understanding.
Have you heard of someone who is a law unto themselves? This may apply to the passage below, in Romans 2. In other words, the law does not make us righteous (those who have it or know it) but those who act in a way that is consistent with God’s law whether or not they hold a copy of it or can recite it, they are justified.
I attended a workshop this week on coping skills. The topic was values. My take away was (since I am goal-oriented), I can confuse a goal with a value. In the process of meeting my timeline goals, I can forget my values (which are not time-limited). This was an insightful introspection since negative, unwanted emotions may at times reflect unmet goals vs. cherished values.
Upon this discovery, I am challenged to re-write my goals to reflect my values. The goals which cannot align with my values must be re-written.
For example, since I enjoy helping others and being a caregiver, I must evaluate whether my care for another is impeding my value of taking care of myself. Am I giving too much (monetarily, time, energy wise)? When the one cared for is neither grateful nor willing to use the gift, I must decrease my investment. This protects me from feeling “used”, “burned out” and “devalued”. #nurse #RN
Strangely enough, I find it difficult to do this. When I look to “people” to find approval, it is especially difficult. Going back to the passage, I see the conflict of one under obligation being judged by societal standards, a Christianity that is based on norms (maybe even our parent’s interpretation of scripture) vs. true freedom to be loved by God and to love others in a healthy manner.
I find that looking to the Savior for acceptance, (not presuming on His kindness but understanding His kindness) has made me repentant. #askanduwillreceive
When I stop judging others and take a look upward, I am urged towards a change in my actions. These are actions that meet my new goals and reflect the values of God’s truth about me (not people’s opinions/judgments).
Lord, you have promised to write your law on my heart (Jer.31). -Teresa #newcovenant #realizingmyworthtoHim
Romans 2: 2-16 (ESV)
2 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
6 He will render to each one according to his works:7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking[a] and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality.
God’s Judgment and the Law
12 For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law.15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.
To me, “comfort” is synonymous with love. Those I feel comfortable with, I love; places that remind me of good times, I love; things that bring healing, I love.
As a nurse, healing is important to me because it deals with the suffering of precious people in the world, whom I love.
God’s heart of love includes comfort but even more so, pursues us as well. He has pursued men and women, boys and girls…all of the people in the world regardless of nationality, gender, age, intelligence, beauty, athleticism, status or lack of. He has loved the world with an exclamation point. He has loved us with grace, with gifts, with His assuring presence. #neveralone
Those who are of the “elect” are the ones He omnisciently knows will respond to His generous gift. #receiveit
I’ve been studying Romans using my illuminated scripture journal since our church is also going through it (spending the last 4 weeks in Romans 8). #pastor MichaelMetcalf
I dropped to my knees this morning listening to a song that brought me back to my teen years, reminding me of my “first love” encounter with the Lord. Lamb- “Comfort ye my people”.
God comforts His people, see Hosea 14:1-9.
Lord, please heal us from “sin sickness” (Isaiah 53:5). Hebrew translation from Dr. David Eckman. – Teresa #comforted
Romans 8:31-39 (ESV)
God’s Everlasting Love
[31] What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? [33] Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. [34] Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? [36] As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” [37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,
[39] nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The prophet Isaiah was a trusted spokesman for God. He heard that King Sennacherib had threatened both the people and King Hezekiah of Judah. Sennacherib didn’t know it yet but Hezekiah had connections in very high places.
There are times when corporations or those who have displayed cocksure behavior will push their weight around. This may happen for a season but God has promised the remnant (those who trust in His unfailing love) that He will not fail to show up and defend the humble.
Raging against God and His Word does not go unnoticed. It can even bring about a visit from the angel of the LORD (as in this passage). Without the Lamb’s blood over the doorposts forming a cross, no one can be saved. (reference to Israel’s captivity in Egypt and God’s miraculous rescue). #lambofGod #whotakesawaythesinoftheworld
It may take time, maybe even three years to experience God’s intended harvest but today is the first step to trust His truth over the empty threats of bullies.
Remember not to give up but to trust Him. – Teresa #chipsaredown #timeforaprophet #truthrefreshes
2 Kings 18:20-37 (ESV)
20 Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Your prayer to me about Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard. 21 This is the word that the Lord has spoken concerning him:
“She despises you, she scorns you— the virgin daughter of Zion; she wags her head behind you— the daughter of Jerusalem.
22 “Whom have you mocked and reviled? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes to the heights? Against the Holy One of Israel! 23 By your messengers you have mocked the Lord, and you have said, ‘With my many chariots I have gone up the heights of the mountains, to the far recesses of Lebanon; I felled its tallest cedars, its choicest cypresses; I entered its farthest lodging place, its most fruitful forest. 24 I dug wells and drank foreign waters, and I dried up with the sole of my foot all the streams of Egypt.’
25 “Have you not heard that I determined it long ago? I planned from days of old what now I bring to pass, that you should turn fortified cities into heaps of ruins, 26 while their inhabitants, shorn of strength, are dismayed and confounded, and have become like plants of the field and like tender grass, like grass on the housetops, blighted before it is grown.
27 “But I know your sitting down and your going out and coming in, and your raging against me. 28 Because you have raged against me and your complacency has come into my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth, and I will turn you back on the way by which you came.
29 “And this shall be the sign for you: this year eat what grows of itself, and in the second year what springs of the same. Then in the third year sow and reap and plant vineyards, and eat their fruit. 30 And the surviving remnant of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward.31 For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of the Lord will do this.
32 “Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria: He shall not come into this city or shoot an arrow there, or come before it with a shield or cast up a siege mound against it. 33 By the way that he came, by the same he shall return, and he shall not come into this city, declares the Lord.34 For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David.”
35 And that night the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.36 Then Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went home and lived at Nineveh. 37 And as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, Adrammelech and Sharezer, his sons, struck him down with the sword and escaped into the land of Ararat. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place.
Footnotes
2 Kings 18:14 A talent was about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms
Reconnection 