Once a year (usually in January), we enjoy girl’s day. My daughters and granddaughters get together for fun food and camaraderie. Since it will be February tomorrow, we also made Valentines and talked about Aunt C’s wedding plans. Tears came to my eyes as I watched my daughters together, both intelligent and wonderful women.

The “daughter of Zion” in this passage refers to those believers in Messiah. The bride of Christ, aka the church, was soon to be established in Matthew’s gospel. The people shouted “Hosanna” for Jesus’ entry (with their hope of deliverance from Roman oppression), not realizing what God was doing would change history.

As our king, Christ Jesus the Lord offered Himself as a redemptive sin offering. Not only did He deliver us from living in fear of an oppressive world system, but from the curse of an inherited sin nature over our lives. (Romans 6:23)

The King is also our Redeemer, humbling Himself to death on the cross. No wonder God required the consecration of all the firstborn sons and even male animals (in the second passage below). They were commemorating their deliverance from Egypt (as slaves), we too are delivered from being slaves (to sin), now we have become alive to God in Christ Jesus (Roman’s 6:11).

This precious gift to the world (His only Son- John 3:16), was the way God could look on us, His creation, with a tear in His eye. How wonderful we are to Him!

Lord, may we not forget the price that was paid for our redemption and the forgiveness of our sin. May we always be grateful that you bought us back to your good purpose and will. -Teresa ❤️

Matthew 21:1-5 (ESV)

The Triumphal Entry

21 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, ² saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. ³ If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.”⁴ This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,

⁵ “Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
    humble, and mounted on a donkey,
    on a colt,^[b] the foal of a beast of burden.’”

Exodus 13:1-15 (ESV)

Consecration of the Firstborn

13 The Lord said to Moses, ² “Consecrate to me all the firstborn. Whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and of beast, is mine.”

The Feast of Unleavened Bread

³ Then Moses said to the people, “Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the Lord brought you out from this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten. ⁴ Today, in the month of Abib, you are going out. ⁵ And when the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, you shall keep this service in this month. ⁶ Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the Lord. ⁷ Unleavened bread shall be eaten for seven days; no leavened bread shall be seen with you, and no leaven shall be seen with you in all your territory. ⁸ You shall tell your son on that day, ‘It is because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt.’ ⁹ And it shall be to you as a sign on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the law of the Lord may be in your mouth. For with a strong hand the Lord has brought you out of Egypt.¹⁰ You shall therefore keep this statute at its appointed time from year to year.

¹¹ “When the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as he swore to you and your fathers, and shall give it to you, ¹² you shall set apart to the Lord all that first opens the womb. All the firstborn of your animals that are males shall be the Lord’s. ¹³ Every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb, or if you will not redeem it you shall break its neck. Every firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem. ¹⁴ And when in time to come your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you shall say to him, ‘By a strong hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, from the house of slavery. ¹⁵ For when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the Lord killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of animals. Therefore I sacrifice to the Lord all the males that first open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’

Each new family unit signifies the beginning of blessing because of the generations on whose shoulders we stand.

Joseph was a “type of Christ” who blessed his family’s survival for generations to come (plus he inherited two portions, as his two sons were considered their grandfather’s sons as well).

Judah was Joseph’s brother, only inheriting one portion, but significantly being the son chosen by God to produce the lineage of Christ himself. (The Lion of the tribe of Judah)

Whoever comes before you, be sure to remember the blessing they bestowed upon your life. If you can’t find a blessing, then you may be the generation to begin anew for God’s glory. It only takes one generation for a family to decline or be renewed.

Who will be willing to bless those in the future with a heart for God? -Teresa #HisSon #ChristJesustheLORD

Genesis 48:1-16 (ESV) (bold added)

Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh

48 After this, Joseph was told, “Behold, your father is ill.” So he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. ² And it was told to Jacob, “Your son Joseph has come to you.” Then Israel summoned his strength and sat up in bed.³ And Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty^[a]appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me, ⁴ and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will make of you a company of peoples and will give this land to your offspring after you for an everlasting possession.’

 ⁵ And now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, as Reuben and Simeon are. ⁶ And the children that you fathered after them shall be yours. They shall be called by the name of their brothers in their inheritance.⁷ As for me, when I came from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was still some distance^[b] to go to Ephrath, and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).”

⁸ When Israel saw Joseph’s sons, he said, “Who are these?” ⁹ Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me here.” And he said, “Bring them to me, please, that I may bless them.” ¹⁰ Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. So Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them. ¹¹ And Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face; and behold, God has let me see your offspring also.” ¹² Then Joseph removed them from his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth. ¹³ And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near him. ¹⁴ And Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, crossing his hands (for Manasseh was the firstborn). ¹⁵ And he blessed Joseph and said,

“The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked,
    the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day,
¹⁶ the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys;
    and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac;
    and let them grow into a multitude^[c] in the midst of the earth.”

Footnotes

1. (a) Genesis 48:3 Hebrew El Shaddai
2. (b) Genesis 48:7 Or about two hours’ distance
3. (c) Genesis 48:16 Or let them be like fish for multitude

Micah 5:2 (NIV) (bold added for emphasis)

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

  though you are small among the clans of Judah,

 out of you will come for me

  one who will be ruler over Israel,

 whose origins are from of old,

  from ancient times.”

The Pharisees were full of condemnation in this passage over how Jesus chose to heal on the Sabbath. In fact, they conspired how to destroy Him.

Jesus was not deterred. He withdrew from there but continued His ministry of healing.

If you find others wanting to condemn your ministry or expressing a desire to destroy God’s work in you, look to Jesus as an example of resilience.

The Gentiles now have hope because of His character/name. He was not exclusively healing the Jews, instead He brought justice for all.

However quietly, you also must continue to bring your Holy Spirit gift to the world. Do not allow criticism or “mean” insinuations discourage you.

Withdraw into Christ and find comfort and renewed devotion to be united with Him. -Teresa

Matthew 12:15-21 ESV

God’s Chosen Servant

¹⁵ Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all¹⁶ and ordered them not to make him known.¹⁷ This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah:

¹⁸ “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,
    my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
    and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
¹⁹ He will not quarrel or cry aloud,
    nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;
²⁰ a bruised reed he will not break,
    and a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory;
²¹     and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”Read full chapter

I graduated from seminary in 2013, retired from my professional job in 2021 and completed my “formal” theological education in 2026 (BWGI Institute).

My journey of learning and ministry has been a pathway to understanding the verses in Isaiah 53 (being healed from sin sickness).

Not only has Jesus Christ, God’s Son, fulfilled the prophecy of being my suffering servant but He has healed me through the forgiveness of sins.

To be cleansed from illness is a reason to rejoice, but to have another bear the consequences of my disease is a matter of pure devotion.

Thank you, LORD, for your steadfast love. -Teresa

Isaiah 53:4-7 ESV[4] Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. [5] But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. [6] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. [7] He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.

Matthew 8:1-4; 14-17 English Standard Version

Jesus Cleanses a Leper

8 When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. ² And behold, a leper^[a] came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” ³ And Jesus^[b] stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. ⁴ And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

Jesus Heals Many

¹⁴ And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever.¹⁵ He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him. ¹⁶ That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick.¹⁷ This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Matthew 8:2 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13
2. Matthew 8:3 Greek he
3. Matthew 8:9 Or bondservant
4. Matthew 8:10 Some manuscripts not even in Israel

We took a morning drive, (instead of walking today). Lo and behold there were not just 2,4,6…but 8 deer 🦌 🦌 🦌 🦌 🦌 🦌 🦌 🦌 running along the sidewalks of suburbia!

We felt blessed to spot such a rare occurrence in this beautiful neighborhood.

Last week, we watched two full grown coyotes roaming the wetlands for their jack rabbit snack. The week before, one of our friends showed us a picture of a huge cougar crouched in a tree (not more than two miles from our home).

Are the predators drawing closer to the neighborhoods because of the abundance of game?

Those who are greedy for unjust gain may in fact try to infiltrate the community. They are the ones who desire to take advantage of all this delicious “game”, but is that a legitimate reason for the rest of us to join in?

Rather, it’s important to hold back our consent. It may seem unpopular and even scary when the entire group dynamic is greedy for gain.

More importantly, wisdom teaches us not to be enticed by their “fake” values but to value life itself. The amassing of wealth through the demise of the innocent brings about cultural collapse.

Wisdom teaches us to value the innocent instead of taking advantage of their trusting hearts. Jesus loved the children for this very reason. He encouraged His disciples to have faith like a child.

I watched the Prime Video selection, “Little Boy”, yesterday and appreciated the film’s message of powerful faith being as small as a grain of mustard seed. It may have been satirical but the overall message of how love overcomes hatred was not missed.

Our Heavenly Father has indeed given us wisdom through Christ Jesus our Lord. May we possess wisdom vs. desire for unjust gain. Lord, help me to trust your Word and embrace your values. -Teresa #Ibelieve #eternalife

Proverbs 1:10-19English Standard Version

¹⁰ My son, if sinners entice you,
    do not consent.
¹¹ If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood;
    let us ambush the innocent without reason;
¹² like Sheol let us swallow them alive,
    and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
¹³ we shall find all precious goods,
    we shall fill our houses with plunder;
¹⁴ throw in your lot among us;
    we will all have one purse”—
¹⁵ my son, do not walk in the way with them;
    hold back your foot from their paths,
¹⁶ for their feet run to evil,
    and they make haste to shed blood.
¹⁷ For in vain is a net spread
    in the sight of any bird,
¹⁸ but these men lie in wait for their own blood;
    they set an ambush for their own lives.
¹⁹ Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain;
    it takes away the life of its possessors.

Read full chapter

When the shepherd stops guarding the flock, there is calamity. Israel had a good shepherd, especially under King David. Then, as prophesied in chapter 11 of Zechariah, the shepherds would actually devalue God’s greatest gift to the nation (Messiah). Instead they sold him for 30 pieces of silver to buy the Potter’s field.

For the price of some real estate, the nation of Israel entered disgrace. God was faithful, however, by choosing a descendant of David to sit on His eternal throne. All the suffering that Jesus endured was not in vain. In fact, the glory at the end of this age will be like none other. #peoplefromeverytribenationandtongue

My prayer is that we would live by the truth, not in fanciful hopes of building temporal wealth for generations. There is nothing so valuable as a godly heritage, clinging to God’s Word. #truth

Let’s honor those pastors and shepherds who have gone before us. They kept us safe from the “dogs” by teaching God’s word faithfully. They also served faithfully without fleecing the flock (for their generational wealth or earthly kingdom).

Most of all, let’s honor the ONE who gave all, even when we were still sinners…Christ Jesus, the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. -Teresa #receiveHim

Zechariah 10:3-5 (ESV)

 “My anger is hot against the shepherds,
    and I will punish the leaders;^[a]
for the Lord of hosts cares for his flock, the house of Judah,
    and will make them like his majestic steed in battle.
⁴ From him shall come the cornerstone,
    from him the tent peg,
from him the battle bow,
    from him every ruler—all of them together.
⁵ They shall be like mighty men in battle,
    trampling the foe in the mud of the streets;
they shall fight because the Lord is with them,
    and they shall put to shame the riders on horses….

Zechariah 11:1-14 (ESV)

11 Open your doors, O Lebanon,
    that the fire may devour your cedars!
² Wail, O cypress, for the cedar has fallen,
    for the glorious trees are ruined!
Wail, oaks of Bashan,
    for the thick forest has been felled!
³ The sound of the wail of the shepherds,
    for their glory is ruined!
The sound of the roar of the lions,
    for the thicket of the Jordan is ruined!

⁴ Thus said the Lord my God: “Become shepherd of the flock doomed to slaughter.⁵ Those who buy them slaughter them and go unpunished, and those who sell them say, ‘Blessed be the Lord, I have become rich,’ and their own shepherds have no pity on them. ⁶ For I will no longer have pity on the inhabitants of this land, declares the Lord. Behold, I will cause each of them to fall into the hand of his neighbor, and each into the hand of his king, and they shall crush the land, and I will deliver none from their hand.”

⁷ So I became the shepherd of the flock doomed to be slaughtered by the sheep traders. And I took two staffs, one I named Favor, the other I named Union. And I tended the sheep. ⁸ In one month I destroyed the three shepherds. But I became impatient with them, and they also detested me. ⁹ So I said, “I will not be your shepherd. What is to die, let it die. What is to be destroyed, let it be destroyed. And let those who are left devour the flesh of one another.” ¹⁰ And I took my staff Favor, and I broke it, annulling the covenant that I had made with all the peoples.¹¹ So it was annulled on that day, and the sheep traders, who were watching me, knew that it was the word of the Lord. ¹² Then I said to them, “If it seems good to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” And they weighed out as my wages thirty pieces of silver. ¹³ Then the Lordsaid to me, “Throw it to the potter”—the lordly price at which I was priced by them. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the Lord, to the potter. ¹⁴ Then I broke my second staff Union, annulling the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.

Here is an excerpt from BibleHub.com:

2. The Role of True Shepherds

Zechariah 11 highlights the importance of genuine leadership. God appoints shepherds to guide His flock, but when these leaders fail, the people suffer. “Woe to the worthless shepherd who deserts the flock!” (Zechariah 11:17). This lesson encourages us to seek leaders who are committed to God’s truth and to be discerning in whom we follow.

Becoming a grandparent for the first time was nothing short of joyful. You all can understand or at least imagine the preciousness of this time of life. I saw a meme on FB this week showing the superpower of grandparents to those they influence. It’s a miraculous connection.

Yet, our thoughts toward our grandchildren are nothing compared with Creator God’s thoughts toward us (see the verses from David in Psalm 139). 👇🏻

When Zerubbabel was chosen by God to rebuild the former temple, the prophet Haggai revealed a future glory spoken of in Revelation. Yes, the Messiah, Christ Jesus the LORD will reign forever and ever. I can imagine Handel’s Messiah reverberating throughout this scene.

Whether God’s choice was David (for King), Haggai (for prophet), or Joshua (for priest)- we can imagine the culmination of this foreshadowing as being summed up in Christ (Prophet, Priest and King of Kings).

This quote was taken from the BibleHub website about the passage in Haggai.

“Zerubbabel—Signet of Choice (vv 20–23)

Jeremiah 22:24 stripped Jehoiachin (Zerubbabel’s grandfather) of the signet. God now reinstates the symbol, whispering that the Davidic line remains valid. Though Zerubbabel never reigned as king, the Gospels trace Messiah’s lineage through him (Luke 3:27).”https://biblehub.com/haggai/2.htm

Just picture the silver and gold of God’s temple in Heaven as “treasure” from every people group on earth. Those who come to faith in Christ are the “treasure” in God’s kingdom.

Yes, remember that you are precious to Him. Never doubt His thoughts toward you. #beforebirth

As we celebrate Jesus’ birth this week, we should continue praying for God’s kingdom to come (His thoughts and intentions toward us). -Teresa #PeaceonEarth #setapartforHim

(Bold added for emphasis)

Haggai 2: 1-9, 20-23 ESV

The Coming Glory of the Temple

2 In the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet: ² “Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to all the remnant of the people, and say, ³ ‘Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Is it not as nothing in your eyes? ⁴ Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the Lord. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord. Work, for I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts, ⁵ according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not. ⁶ For thus says the Lord of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. ^{7 And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts.8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts. 9 The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. And in this place I will give peace,} declares the Lord of hosts.’”

²⁰ …The word of the Lord came a second time to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month,²¹ “Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I am about to shake the heavens and the earth, ²² and to overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I am about to destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations, and overthrow the chariots and their riders. And the horses and their riders shall go down, every one by the sword of his brother. ²³ On that day, declares the Lord of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the Lord, and make you like a^[c] signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the Lord of hosts.”

Footnotes

1. Haggai 2:15 Or backward; also verse 18
2. Haggai 2:16 Probable reading (compare Septuagint); Hebrew Lord, since they were. When
3. Haggai 2:23 Hebrew the

Revelation 11:15-19 ESV

The Seventh Trumpet

¹⁵ Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” ¹⁶ And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, ¹⁷ saying,

“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,
    who is and who was,
for you have taken your great power
    and begun to reign.
¹⁸ The nations raged,
    but your wrath came,
    and the time for the dead to be judged,
and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints,
    and those who fear your name,
    both small and great,
and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.”

¹⁹ Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings,^[c] peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. Revelation 11:7 Or the abyss
2. Revelation 11:8 Greek spiritually
3. Revelation 11:19 Or voices, or sounds

Psalm 139: 13-18 ESV

13 For you formed my inward parts;
    you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.^[a]
Wonderful are your works;
    my soul knows it very well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
    the days that were formed for me,
    when as yet there was none of them.

¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
    How vast is the sum of them!
¹⁸ If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
    I awake, and I am still with you.

Footnotes

1. Psalm 139:14 Or for I am fearfully set apart

Our daughters literally glow because of God’s beauty in their lives. It reminds me of the scene in heaven described by the Apostle John.

Our Creator and Lord sitting on the throne of authority is a beautiful scene because it depicts all that is right in God’s eyes. His presence is beautiful and holy.

The offerings of glory, honor and thanks to Him who is, who was and who is to come are beautiful because of the truth in worship.

Who is worthy to receive glory, honor and power? Only our Creator is worthy, He also is the One who provides righteousness to all He created.

Now, that is truly beautiful!!- Teresa #reflectingHisglory

Revelation 4 (New Living Translation)

Worship in Heaven

4 Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” ² And instantly I was in the Spirit,^[a] and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. ³ The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. ⁴ Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. ⁵ From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit^[b] of God. ⁶ In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.

In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. ⁷ The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. ⁸ Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—
    the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”

⁹ Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), ¹⁰ the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,

¹¹ “You are worthy, O Lord our God,
    to receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things,
    and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

Read full chapter

Footnotes

1. 4:2 Or in spirit.
2. 4:5 Greek They are the seven spirits.

Some days are meant for full speed ahead.

Like today, I was making a hot drink at 3:15 am, helping with my mom’s medical care (via telephone) by 4:30 am, walking to Peet’s and chatting with friends all drinking coffee at 6:30 am, walking with my husband and praying at 0730 am, picking out Christmas trees with our grandkids by 0900 am, finishing the decorating and eating fresh baked banana bread by 10:30 am! Now, I’m wondering why my usual energetic brain is taking a little siesta while writing my blog. 🥱

Getting ready for a big event means we need to pace ourselves. The more ritual or routine we involve, means more time that our hearts and minds are freed up to ponder God’s goodness.

This Psalm was such a representation. At every feast day, the children of Israel would ascend to Jerusalem and recite these words.

How comforting to know they were surrounded by God as the mountains surrounded their beloved city. Talk about a visual aid!

What visual aid or beautiful song is helping you to center around God’s truth?

Dan Hill’s “Sometimes When We touch”

This song helped me this week to remember the honesty of my “first love”, when the gospel of Christ’s love touched my teenage soul. #heartfelt

Remember how valuable you are to our Father God, because of His gift at Christmas. #HisSon- Teresa

Psalm 125 (NLT)

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

¹ Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion;
    they will not be defeated but will endure forever.
² Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem,
    so the Lord surrounds his people, both now and forever.
³ The wicked will not rule the land of the godly,
    for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong.
⁴ O Lord, do good to those who are good,
    whose hearts are in tune with you.
⁵ But banish those who turn to crooked ways, O Lord.
    Take them away with those who do evil.

May Israel have peace!

Turkey Day is full of love and feasting. Giving thanks is part of this!

I was having an attitude with someone in the extended family as we got ready. In turn, they had an attitude with me. We hoped by not addressing the elephant in the room, we could still pull this feast day off.

Good news, we had a mediator to help this process of resolution. Prayers and wisdom preceded a miraculous turn around just 1.5 hours prior to guest arrival. #T-1.5

It was obvious that my heart was moved by God Himself to offer repentance, which helped turn the tide in favor of resolution and joy. Who said that it would be easy?

Truly, we felt so blessed to have this relationship restored for God’s glory and just in time to give God thanks for all our blessings.

What will it take for you to understand things, God’s way? Ask Him for wisdom and ask those you trust for prayers. He will not disappoint as He is patient beyond measure. -Teresa #Godshowedup #intime #reflectHim

2 Peter 3:8-11 (ESV)

⁸ But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. ⁹ The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you,^[a] not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. ¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies^[b] will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.^[c]

¹¹ Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, ¹² waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! ¹³ But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Footnotes

1. 2 Peter 3:9 Some manuscripts on your account
2. 2 Peter 3:10 Or elements; also verse 12
3. 2 Peter 3:10 Greek found; some manuscripts will be burned up