A Prophet without Honor

This was a contribution from a blog reader:
FAITH:
"Where did this man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands? Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house" (Mark 6.3, 4).

Have you ever noticed how difficult it can be to spiritually impact your immediate circle of relationships and family? Jesus warned us of this phenomenon. We often relate to family and friends differently because they have a history with us that no one else has. They most likely have not had the privilege to witness the spiritual transformation that you have experienced and is evidenced by others in your life.

The spiritual authority that others may recognize in you is not there with your own family and friends. "After all, you're just my sister or brother, with whom I fought, played, and lived everyday life," is what is thought. Jesus was more qualified to be a carpenter than the Son of God in his own family and community's eyes. It was too difficult to change old perceptions of someone they knew so well. So too, is it for your family members.

The sad result of this mindset is that we often do not experience the same fruit of ministry in our family's lives that we do outside this circle. It is an unfortunate truth. "Jesus still healed a few sick people," meaning there is still a remnant of faith that can receive from you and I. Ultimately, God determines the fruit of our lives. Do not allow spiritual pride to prevent you from freely giving to your family and friends when they do not receive you in the way you think they should. You don't know which "few" God will choose to touch through your life.

Many did not receive Jesus. Therefore, many will not receive you. Nevertheless, allow God to touch the few in your circle He chooses to touch through you. by Os Hilman

FRIENDS:
Dear Lord, I offer myself to you as an open vessel. Please work in my life and accomplish your will through me. Every little thing and every great thing that is accomplished, I praise you for it and give you all the glory. Thank you for blessing my life with your power and presence. In Jesus' name, amen.

BIBLE CHALLENGE
February 1
Matthew 10:21-42; Acts 15:22-41; Psalms 24; Exodus 1-3
February 2
Matthew 11:1-19; Acts 16:1-15; Psalms 25; Exodus 4-6

10 THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR
1. Old friends looking you up
2. People that want to please and serve God
3. Finding a love note hidden years ago even when it doesn't matter anymore
4. An unexpected gift of a book
5. Getting a bargin on something you need
6. Still got enough brains left to work a hard word puzzle
7. When a young person remembers you
8. Smell of clean clothes
9. Dozing to the sound of voices chattering
10. Being with someone you consider to be good company



FOOD:
Bisquick Tuna Impossible Pie

2 cups chopped onions
1/4 cup butter or margarine
2 (7 ounce) cans solid white tuna in water, drained
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
3 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 cup Bisquick baking mix
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 tomatoes, thinly sliced

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a casserole dish or glass pie dish.
Cook onions and margarine over low heat until light brown. Sprinkle
tuna and 1 cup of cheese in baking dish. Beat eggs, milk, baking mix
and pepper in blender on high for 15 seconds. Pour into baking dish.
Bake 25-30 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
Top with remaining cheese and the tomatoes. Bake 3-5 minutes longer
until cheese is melted

FLORA AND FAUNA:
Settling in for the winter? Considering a few house plants to lighten up your interior? According to a NASA study, certain plants can be chosen to best purify your home's air.

NASA tested popular plants for their ability to create oxygen and filter common toxins like trichloroethylene (found in varnishes, paints, and adhesives), formaldehyde (present in carpets, furniture, and foam insulation), and benzene (found in plastics, synthetic fibres, and detergents) to purify the air astronauts breathe. [NASA] recommends having 15 to 18 good-sized houseplants in an 1,800-square-foot home.


1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

2. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

3. Nephytis

4. Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)

5. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

6. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

7. Janet Craig Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis)

8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaaonema modestum)

9. Variegated Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans "Massangeana")

10. Dracaena Warneckii (Dracaena deremensis "Warneckii")

11. Potted Mum (Chrysanthemum)

12. Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans "Massangeana")

Other recommended plants: Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii), Umbrella plant (Schefflera arboricola), Heart-leaf Philodendron (Philodendron scandens), Tree Philodendron (Philodendron selloum), Elephant Ear Philodendron (Philodendron domesticum), Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina), Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), Pothos Vine (Epipremnum aureus), Aloe Vera

Just a quick warning that should be noted: chinese evergreen, corn plant, and nephytis are toxic to cats! The aloe and dragon plants are also toxic to cats. Most lilies are too.

I read the Wolverton study (in his book How to Grow Fresh Air, which I recommend for anyone interested in this topic) and these are not the top performing plants, and they're not in any particular order. Aloe, along with most other desert plants, is actually a very poor performer; it's listed there simply because it was among those tested.

The best performers for removing pollutants include areca palm, bamboo palm, peace lily, Boston fern, English ivy, and Janet Craig dracaena, and rubber tree. In general, tropical/water-loving plants filter more than desert/water-conserving plants, and the bigger the plants, the better, whatever kind. (They don't really say what 'good-sized plants' are, but aim for floor plants, at least 12".)

Orchids and succulents are mid-to-poor performers, but worth keeping in the bedroom because they release oxygen at night. (Of course there are great aesthetic reasons for keeping these plants.)

You can strategically place your plants near where you work or sleep or otherwise sit for long periods. Wolverton calls it a personal breathing space.

Low-light plants include spider plants, pothos, philos, English ivy, green rubber tree, weeping fig, peace lily, and Janet Craig.