FAITH:
What would it take to restore your hope?
What would you need to re-energize your journey?
Though the answers are abundant, three come quickly to mind.
The first would be a person. Not just any person. You don't need someone equally confused. You need someone who knows the way out.
And from him you need some vision. You need someone to lift your spirits. You need someone to look you in the face and say, "This isn't the end. Don't give up. There is a better place than this. And I'll lead you there."
And, perhaps most important, you need direction. If you have only a person but no renewed vision, all you have is company. If he has a vision but no direction, you have a dreamer for company. But if you have a person with direction--who can take you from this place to the right place--ah, then you have one who can restore your hope.
Or, to use David's words, "He restores my soul." Our Shepherd majors in restoring hope to the soul. Whether you are a lamb lost on a craggy ledge or a city slicker alone in a deep jungle, everything changes when your rescuer appears.
Your loneliness diminishes, because you have fellowship.
Your despair decreases, because you have vision.
Your confusion begins to lift, because you have direction.
Please note: You haven't left the jungle. The trees still eclipse the sky, and the thorns still cut the skin. Animals lurk and rodents scurry. The jungle is still a jungle. It hasn't changed, but you have. You have changed because you have hope. And you have hope because you have met someone who can lead you out.
Your Shepherd knows that you were not made for this place. He knows you are not equipped for this place. So he has come to guide you out.
by Max Lucado
FRIENDS:
Father, We need your guidance to stay on your path. Sometimes you guide us to rest in the green pastures and other times you lead us through the darkness, sorrow or even death. We are assured that if we put the governing of our lives upon Your shoulders we will be safe. Thank you for this hope. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE ~ JUNE~
15. Luke 5:1-11; Phil 1:12-20; Psalms 119:113-120; 2 Kings 4-5
16. Luke 5:12-16; Phil 1:21-30; Psalms 119:121-128; 2 Kings 6-7
FOOD:
Why not make up several batch's and bottle up part and give to someone as a gift. Would make a nice Father's Day gift for someone that grills.
Montreal Steak Seasoning
4 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon dehydrated onion
1/2 tablespoon dehydrated garlic
1/2 tablespoon crushed red pepper
1/2 tablespoon dried thyme
1/2 tablespoon dried rosemary
1/2 tablespoon dried fennel
Mix together and store in a shaker. Shake or rub 1 tablespoon seasoning onto
1 pound steaks, pork chops and hamburgers before grilling or broiling.
FUN:
"Winterize your lawn," the big sign outside the garden store commanded. I've fed it, watered it, mowed it, raked it and watched a lot of it die anyway. Now I'm supposed to winterize it? I hope it's too late.
Grass lawns have to be the stupidest thing we've come up with outside of thong swimsuits! We constantly battle dandelions, Queen Anne's lace, thistle, violets, chicory and clover that thrive naturally, so we can grow grass that must be nursed through an annual four-step chemical dependency.
Imagine the conversation The Creator might have with St. Francis about this:
"Frank, you know all about gardens and nature. What in the world is going on down there in the Midwest? What happened to the dandelions, violets, thistle and stuff I started eons ago? I had a perfect, no-maintenance garden plan. Those plants grow in any type of soil, withstand drought and multiply with abandon. The nectar from the long-lasting blossoms attracted butterflies, honey bees and flocks of songbirds. I expected to see a vast garden of colors by now. But all I see are these green rectangles."
"It's the tribes that settled there, Lord. The Suburbanites. They started calling your flowers 'weeds' and went to great extent to kill them and replace them with grass."
"Grass? But it's so boring. It's not colorful. It doesn't attract butterflies, birds and bees, only grubs and sod worms. It's temperamental with temperatures. Do these Suburbanites really want all that grass growing there?"
"Apparently so, Lord. They go to great pains to grow it and keep it green. They begin each spring by fertilizing grass and poisoning any other plant that crops up in the lawn."
"The spring rains and cool weather probably make grass grow really fast. That must make the Suburbanites happy."
"Apparently not, Lord. As soon as it grows a little, they cut it - sometimes twice a week."
"They cut it? Do they then bale it like hay?"
"Not exactly, Lord. Most of them rake it up and put it in bags."
"They bag it? Why? Is it a cash crop? Do they sell it?"
"No, sir. Just the opposite. They pay to throw it away."
"Now let me get this straight. They fertilize grass so it will grow. And when it does grow, they cut it off and pay to throw it away?"
"Yes, sir."
"These Suburbanites must be relieved in the summer when we cut back on the rain and turn up the heat. That surely slows the growth and saves them a lot of work."
"You aren't gonna believe this Lord. When the grass stops growing so fast, they drag out hoses and pay more money to water it so they can continue to mow it and pay to get rid of it."
"What nonsense! At least they kept some of the trees. That was a sheer stroke of genius, if I do say so myself. The trees grow leaves in the spring to provide beauty and shade in the summer. In the autumn they fall to the ground and form a natural blanket to keep moisture in the soil and protect the trees and bushes. Plus, as they rot, the leaves form compost to enhance the soil. It's a natural circle of life."
"You better sit down, Lord. The Suburbanites have drawn a new circle. As soon as the leaves fall, they rake them into great piles and have them hauled away."
"No! What do they do to protect the shrub and tree roots in the winter and keep the soil moist and loose?"
"After throwing away your leaves, they go out and buy something they call mulch. They haul it home and spread it around in place of the leaves."
"And where do they get this mulch?"
"They cut down trees and grind them up."
"Enough! I don't want to think about this anymore. Saint Catherine, you're in charge of the arts. What movie have you scheduled for us
tonight?"
"Dumb and Dumber, Lord. It's a real stupid movie about..."
"Never mind, I think I just heard the whole story."
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
"See His Face, Hear His Voice"
FAITH:
There is a wonderful verse that I love.
When we shall see Him we shall be like Him (2 Cor 3:18). We must see God. Look at the responses of people who saw God or his Angels.
In Daniel 10:1-12.Daniel fasts and prays and God answers and He is on his face, out cold. In Acts 9:3-4 Paul has an encounter with Jesus and, Boom, down on the ground. John has a similar encounter in Revelations 1:17. Bam, and he's out of there. Moses, Gideon and Jeremiah suddenly are the great I can'ts in the face of the Great I am. Peter simply tells Jesus to depart for he is a sinful man.(Luke 5:8)
These are the responses that the Bible's greatest men had when they met God or His Incredible Messengers. Total Humility, Total Conviction, Total Devotion. Why must we encounter our Lord in a similar way?
It seems that the very standard to be an Apostle was to have seen the risen Christ and look at what these men were able to do.
In John 14:19 the Lord begins to explain that His disciples will see Him but the world will not be able to see Him. The Disciples are curious and the Lord, in His amazing way, expounds on this incredible relationship that we will have with God by the Holy Spirit.
Do you believe that you can see God or hear His voice? Imagine the empowering available to those of us who see Visions. The birth of the Church is declared by Joel through Peter on Pentecost as "Your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams (night visions) not to mention your hand maidens (women).These are prophetic revelations and they are available to us all.
We each have the Spirit in our own measure but I find it hard to believe that we cannot all have a deeper relationship with Jesus and God by the Holy Spirit. Whether it is having your ears suddenly stand up, or the hairs on your arm or neck.
Pray and seek God and learn His still small loving voice. You will never be the same.
Does your heart burn as Jesus walks with you, opening the scriptures, or is it when He breaks bread that you suddenly realize his presence. Does it take seeing Him walk through a wall, maybe your personal wall, to let you physically put your hand in His wounds. Or is it when you seek Him, with tears, crying for His presence in the garden that the gentle voice calls your name (Mary) You may dance, (David), sing, fast and pray or prophecy, but you must know where you meet Him.
How your life will be changed! No rule, no law can keep you on the straight and narrow but the Spirit is always right. To be spiritually minded is Life and Peace. Only Christ, in you, accomplishes the task at hand. For it is Christ in you working His good pleasure. In the end the name of the City of God is called The Lord is There (Ezekiel 48:35). We all long to simply be where He is. Where do you meet Him and hear His Voice? That's where the transforming power of God is. by Michael Tiemann
FRIENDS:
Father, We want to see you and know you better. We ask you to help us see Jesus and to deepen our faith upon seeing him more clearly. May we see the joy that is before us. Would you pull back the eternal curtain and give us a glimpse into the everlasting? Please keep us close to you this day. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE ~JUNE~
13. Luke 4:31-37; Ephesians 6:10-24; Psalms 119:97-104; 1 Kings 21-22
14. Luke 4:38-44; Philippians 1:1-11; Psalms 119:105-112; 2 Kings 1-3
~2 Kings~
The tone for the book is set in the first two verses.
After Ahab died, Moab broke away from Israel's rule. Ahaziah fell down through the wooden bars in his upstairs room in Samaria and was badly hurt. He sent messengers and told them, "Go, ask Baal-Zebub, god of Ekron, if I will recover from my injuries" (1:1-2)
In those inaugural words you find death (Ahab died), rebellion (Moab broke away), calamity (Ahaziah fell down), and superstition (Go ask...the god of Ekron).
What a beginning. It doesn't get any better. Second Kings is not a book for the faint of heart. But it is a book for the serious disciple. Its message is embossed at the top of every page: "The way of transgressors is hard."
Remember what Paul said about the wages of sin being death? This book proves his point. Twenty-five chapters of people reaping the harvest of sin. Story after story of people learning firsthand the eternal truth: The consequence of persistent sin is pain. Pain, not just in your life but in the lives of those you love.
The book relates the decline of two powers.
The Northern Kingdom, Israel, was headquartered in Samaria. Nineteen kings led this nation. Not one was godly. Not one! In spite of strong prophets like Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Elijah, and Elisha, the kings didn't listen.
The Southern Kingdom, Judah, used Jerusalem as it's capital. Of its twenty sovereigns, only eight walked with God. Again powerful prophets challenged them. Obadiah, Joel Isaiah, and Jeremiah were just a few of the men who proclaimed God's message.
But the people didn't listen. They slipped from conviction to compromise into captivity. The book ends with the battered nations of Israel and Judah dragged behind the horses of their conquerors. God will leave them in captivity for seventy years. Plenty of time for them to ponder the lesson: Do not be fooled: You cannot cheat God. People harvest only what they plant (Gal 6:7).
It took these people several decades to get the point. I hope we are better listeners.
FOOD:
Skip the iceberg lettuce and go for the dark leafy greens on your next trip to the salad bar.
Turns out the vitamin K in greens like kale and spinach may reduce your chances of developing insulin resistance -- a major risk factor for diabetes.
Roasted Red Peppers Stuffed with Kale & Rice
Makes 6 serving
Peppers
3 medium red bell peppers
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Filling
8 ounces kale (6 cups lightly packed), trimmed
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
½ cup chopped red bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup cooked short-grain brown rice (see Tip)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup toasted pine nuts, divided (see Tip)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1. To prepare peppers: Preheat oven to 400°F. Halve peppers lengthwise through the stems, leaving them attached. Remove the seeds. Lightly brush the peppers outside and inside with oil; sprinkle the insides with salt and pepper. Place, cut-side down, in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Bake until peppers are just tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool slightly. Turn cut-side up.
2. To prepare filling: Bring 2 cups salted water to a boil in a large wide pan. Stir in kale, cover and cook until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water; squeeze dry. Finely chop.
3. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and chopped bell pepper; cook, stirring often, until onion is golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Stir in the kale. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Stir in rice, Parmesan, 2 tablespoons pine nuts and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Divide the filling among the pepper halves. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons pine nuts.
4. Add 2 tablespoons water to the baking dish. Cover the peppers with foil and bake until heated through, 15 to 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for 5 minutes more. Serve hot.
Tips: You may Prepare through step 3, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Tips: To cook brown rice: Place 1 cup brown rice, 21/2 cups water and a pinch of salt, if desired, in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer. Cover; cook over low heat until rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 45 to 50 minutes. Makes 3 cups.
To toast pine nuts: Heat a small dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add pine nuts and cook, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. (Or spread in a small baking pan and bake at 400°F for about 5 minutes.)
Per serving: 171 calories; 11 g fat (2 g sat, 5 g mono); 6 mg cholesterol; 15 g carbohydrate; 5 g protein; 3 g fiber; 304 mg sodium; 285 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (210% daily value), Vitamin A (20% dv) 1 Carbohydrate Serving
FUN:
There is a wonderful verse that I love.
When we shall see Him we shall be like Him (2 Cor 3:18). We must see God. Look at the responses of people who saw God or his Angels.
In Daniel 10:1-12.Daniel fasts and prays and God answers and He is on his face, out cold. In Acts 9:3-4 Paul has an encounter with Jesus and, Boom, down on the ground. John has a similar encounter in Revelations 1:17. Bam, and he's out of there. Moses, Gideon and Jeremiah suddenly are the great I can'ts in the face of the Great I am. Peter simply tells Jesus to depart for he is a sinful man.(Luke 5:8)
These are the responses that the Bible's greatest men had when they met God or His Incredible Messengers. Total Humility, Total Conviction, Total Devotion. Why must we encounter our Lord in a similar way?
It seems that the very standard to be an Apostle was to have seen the risen Christ and look at what these men were able to do.
In John 14:19 the Lord begins to explain that His disciples will see Him but the world will not be able to see Him. The Disciples are curious and the Lord, in His amazing way, expounds on this incredible relationship that we will have with God by the Holy Spirit.
Do you believe that you can see God or hear His voice? Imagine the empowering available to those of us who see Visions. The birth of the Church is declared by Joel through Peter on Pentecost as "Your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams (night visions) not to mention your hand maidens (women).These are prophetic revelations and they are available to us all.
We each have the Spirit in our own measure but I find it hard to believe that we cannot all have a deeper relationship with Jesus and God by the Holy Spirit. Whether it is having your ears suddenly stand up, or the hairs on your arm or neck.
Pray and seek God and learn His still small loving voice. You will never be the same.
Does your heart burn as Jesus walks with you, opening the scriptures, or is it when He breaks bread that you suddenly realize his presence. Does it take seeing Him walk through a wall, maybe your personal wall, to let you physically put your hand in His wounds. Or is it when you seek Him, with tears, crying for His presence in the garden that the gentle voice calls your name (Mary) You may dance, (David), sing, fast and pray or prophecy, but you must know where you meet Him.
How your life will be changed! No rule, no law can keep you on the straight and narrow but the Spirit is always right. To be spiritually minded is Life and Peace. Only Christ, in you, accomplishes the task at hand. For it is Christ in you working His good pleasure. In the end the name of the City of God is called The Lord is There (Ezekiel 48:35). We all long to simply be where He is. Where do you meet Him and hear His Voice? That's where the transforming power of God is. by Michael Tiemann
FRIENDS:
Father, We want to see you and know you better. We ask you to help us see Jesus and to deepen our faith upon seeing him more clearly. May we see the joy that is before us. Would you pull back the eternal curtain and give us a glimpse into the everlasting? Please keep us close to you this day. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE ~JUNE~
13. Luke 4:31-37; Ephesians 6:10-24; Psalms 119:97-104; 1 Kings 21-22
14. Luke 4:38-44; Philippians 1:1-11; Psalms 119:105-112; 2 Kings 1-3
~2 Kings~
The tone for the book is set in the first two verses.
After Ahab died, Moab broke away from Israel's rule. Ahaziah fell down through the wooden bars in his upstairs room in Samaria and was badly hurt. He sent messengers and told them, "Go, ask Baal-Zebub, god of Ekron, if I will recover from my injuries" (1:1-2)
In those inaugural words you find death (Ahab died), rebellion (Moab broke away), calamity (Ahaziah fell down), and superstition (Go ask...the god of Ekron).
What a beginning. It doesn't get any better. Second Kings is not a book for the faint of heart. But it is a book for the serious disciple. Its message is embossed at the top of every page: "The way of transgressors is hard."
Remember what Paul said about the wages of sin being death? This book proves his point. Twenty-five chapters of people reaping the harvest of sin. Story after story of people learning firsthand the eternal truth: The consequence of persistent sin is pain. Pain, not just in your life but in the lives of those you love.
The book relates the decline of two powers.
The Northern Kingdom, Israel, was headquartered in Samaria. Nineteen kings led this nation. Not one was godly. Not one! In spite of strong prophets like Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Elijah, and Elisha, the kings didn't listen.
The Southern Kingdom, Judah, used Jerusalem as it's capital. Of its twenty sovereigns, only eight walked with God. Again powerful prophets challenged them. Obadiah, Joel Isaiah, and Jeremiah were just a few of the men who proclaimed God's message.
But the people didn't listen. They slipped from conviction to compromise into captivity. The book ends with the battered nations of Israel and Judah dragged behind the horses of their conquerors. God will leave them in captivity for seventy years. Plenty of time for them to ponder the lesson: Do not be fooled: You cannot cheat God. People harvest only what they plant (Gal 6:7).
It took these people several decades to get the point. I hope we are better listeners.
FOOD:
Skip the iceberg lettuce and go for the dark leafy greens on your next trip to the salad bar.
Turns out the vitamin K in greens like kale and spinach may reduce your chances of developing insulin resistance -- a major risk factor for diabetes.
Roasted Red Peppers Stuffed with Kale & Rice
Makes 6 serving
Peppers
3 medium red bell peppers
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Filling
8 ounces kale (6 cups lightly packed), trimmed
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
½ cup chopped red bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup cooked short-grain brown rice (see Tip)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup toasted pine nuts, divided (see Tip)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1. To prepare peppers: Preheat oven to 400°F. Halve peppers lengthwise through the stems, leaving them attached. Remove the seeds. Lightly brush the peppers outside and inside with oil; sprinkle the insides with salt and pepper. Place, cut-side down, in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Bake until peppers are just tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool slightly. Turn cut-side up.
2. To prepare filling: Bring 2 cups salted water to a boil in a large wide pan. Stir in kale, cover and cook until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water; squeeze dry. Finely chop.
3. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and chopped bell pepper; cook, stirring often, until onion is golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Stir in the kale. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Stir in rice, Parmesan, 2 tablespoons pine nuts and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Divide the filling among the pepper halves. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons pine nuts.
4. Add 2 tablespoons water to the baking dish. Cover the peppers with foil and bake until heated through, 15 to 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for 5 minutes more. Serve hot.
Tips: You may Prepare through step 3, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Tips: To cook brown rice: Place 1 cup brown rice, 21/2 cups water and a pinch of salt, if desired, in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer. Cover; cook over low heat until rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 45 to 50 minutes. Makes 3 cups.
To toast pine nuts: Heat a small dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add pine nuts and cook, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. (Or spread in a small baking pan and bake at 400°F for about 5 minutes.)
Per serving: 171 calories; 11 g fat (2 g sat, 5 g mono); 6 mg cholesterol; 15 g carbohydrate; 5 g protein; 3 g fiber; 304 mg sodium; 285 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (210% daily value), Vitamin A (20% dv) 1 Carbohydrate Serving
FUN:
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Gods Love
To increase my FAITH
When we look at the world around us, sometimes it's difficult to understand the unfairness of life. It's not fair that the young should suffer. It's not fair that the innocent should go hungry. But not is it fair that a God would have to come to earth and hang on his own cross to protect us from the evil one. It's not fair....but that's love. And that's God.
God's love for you is not dependent on how you look, how you think, how you act, or how perfect you are. His love is absolutely nonnegotiable and nonreturnable. Ours is a faithful God. No matter what you do, no matter how far you fall, no matter how ugly you become, God has relentless, undying, unfathomable, unquenchable love from which you cannot be separated. Ever! Run to Jesus. Jesus wants you to go to him. He wants to become the most important person in your life, the greatest love you'll ever know. He wants you to love him so much that there's no room in your heart and in your life for sin.
If you haven't all ready, invite him to take up residence in your heart.
by Max Lucado
To pray with our FRIENDS
Father, We look at your plan and it's all based on love, not on our performance, and we pray that you'd help us to understand that. To be captivated by your love. To be overwhelmed by your grace. To come home to you in that beautiful path that you've already carved our for us.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE ~June~
Luke----------Ephesians------------Psalms----------1 Kings
12. 4:13-30----------6:1-9-------------119:89-96---------19-20
13. 4:31-37----------6:10-24----------119:97-104--------21-22
~PHILIPIANS~
Perhaps the symbol of this generation is the exercise bike.
It represents what most have---excess weight.
It represents what most want---to be different.
It represents what most people spend most time doing---pedaling furiously and getting nowhere. High activity but low achievement. Car pools, diapers, bills, time clocks. Office walls painted grey with routine. Houses framed with wooden humdrum. For many, life is lived on the exercise bicycle. Day after day in the same seat, doing the same thing but seeing the same scenery. Is there any end to this tunnel of greyness?
There is.
Go with me back in history a couple of thousand years. Let's go to the city of Rome. The thrilling metropolis of gladiators, chariots, and empires. But don't stop at the coliseum or palace. Go rather to a drab little room, surrounded by high walls. Let's imagine that we can peek into the room and look. Inside we see a man seated on the floor. He's an older fellow, shoulders stooped and balding. Chains are on his hands and feet. And chained to him is a guard from the Roman army.
It is the apostle Paul. The apostle who has traveled all over the world. The apostle who has liberated people in every port. The apostle who was bound only by the will of God is now in chains---stuck in a dingy house---attached to a Roman officer.
Here is a fellow who has every reason to be in a slump!
He is restricted by walls. He is afflicted by friends (v. 15). He is conflicted by danger (v. 21).
He is writing a letter. No doubt it is a complaint letter to God. No doubt it is a list of grievances. No doubt he is writing the New Testament version of Lamentations. He has every reason to be bitter and complain. But he doesn't. Instead, he writes a letter that two thousand years later is still known as the treatise on joy.
Sound interesting? Of course it does. Who couldn't use a guide to joy in this world? Why don't you spend some time with it? Dismount the bicycle to nowhere and follow Paul as he guides you down the trail to peace.
To share our love of FOOD
Garlicky Sesame-Cured Broccoli Salad
From the NY Times
Time: 10 minutes, plus 1 hour marinating
1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
2 heads broccoli,
1 pound each, cut into bite-size florets
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 fat garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
2 teaspoons roasted (Asian) sesame oil
Large pinch crushed red pepper flakes.
1. In a large bowl, stir together the vinegar and salt. Add broccoli and toss to combine.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil until hot, but not smoking. Add garlic and cumin and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in sesame oil and pepper flakes. Pour mixture over broccoli and toss well. Let sit for at least 1 hour at room temperature, and up to 48 (chill it if you want to keep it for more than 2 hours). Adjust seasonings (it may need more salt) and serve. Yield: 6 to 8 side-dish servings or more as an hors d'oeuvre
FUN or at the least, something to make you smile......
A man appeared before St. Peter at the Pearly Gates.
"Have you ever done anything of particular merit?" St. Peter asked. "Well, I can think of one thing," the man offered. "Once, on a trip to the Black Hills out in South Dakota , I came upon a gang of bikers, who were threatening a young woman. I directed them to leave her alone, but they wouldn't listen.
"So, I approached the largest and most heavily tattooed biker and smacked him in his face, kicked his bike over, ripped out his nose ring, and threw it on the ground. I yelled, 'Now, back off! Or I'll kick the stuffing out of all of you!'
St. Peter was impressed, "When did this happen?"
"Just a couple minutes ago".
When we look at the world around us, sometimes it's difficult to understand the unfairness of life. It's not fair that the young should suffer. It's not fair that the innocent should go hungry. But not is it fair that a God would have to come to earth and hang on his own cross to protect us from the evil one. It's not fair....but that's love. And that's God.
God's love for you is not dependent on how you look, how you think, how you act, or how perfect you are. His love is absolutely nonnegotiable and nonreturnable. Ours is a faithful God. No matter what you do, no matter how far you fall, no matter how ugly you become, God has relentless, undying, unfathomable, unquenchable love from which you cannot be separated. Ever! Run to Jesus. Jesus wants you to go to him. He wants to become the most important person in your life, the greatest love you'll ever know. He wants you to love him so much that there's no room in your heart and in your life for sin.
If you haven't all ready, invite him to take up residence in your heart.
by Max Lucado
To pray with our FRIENDS
Father, We look at your plan and it's all based on love, not on our performance, and we pray that you'd help us to understand that. To be captivated by your love. To be overwhelmed by your grace. To come home to you in that beautiful path that you've already carved our for us.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE ~June~
Luke----------Ephesians------------Psalms----------1 Kings
12. 4:13-30----------6:1-9-------------119:89-96---------19-20
13. 4:31-37----------6:10-24----------119:97-104--------21-22
~PHILIPIANS~
Perhaps the symbol of this generation is the exercise bike.
It represents what most have---excess weight.
It represents what most want---to be different.
It represents what most people spend most time doing---pedaling furiously and getting nowhere. High activity but low achievement. Car pools, diapers, bills, time clocks. Office walls painted grey with routine. Houses framed with wooden humdrum. For many, life is lived on the exercise bicycle. Day after day in the same seat, doing the same thing but seeing the same scenery. Is there any end to this tunnel of greyness?
There is.
Go with me back in history a couple of thousand years. Let's go to the city of Rome. The thrilling metropolis of gladiators, chariots, and empires. But don't stop at the coliseum or palace. Go rather to a drab little room, surrounded by high walls. Let's imagine that we can peek into the room and look. Inside we see a man seated on the floor. He's an older fellow, shoulders stooped and balding. Chains are on his hands and feet. And chained to him is a guard from the Roman army.
It is the apostle Paul. The apostle who has traveled all over the world. The apostle who has liberated people in every port. The apostle who was bound only by the will of God is now in chains---stuck in a dingy house---attached to a Roman officer.
Here is a fellow who has every reason to be in a slump!
He is restricted by walls. He is afflicted by friends (v. 15). He is conflicted by danger (v. 21).
He is writing a letter. No doubt it is a complaint letter to God. No doubt it is a list of grievances. No doubt he is writing the New Testament version of Lamentations. He has every reason to be bitter and complain. But he doesn't. Instead, he writes a letter that two thousand years later is still known as the treatise on joy.
Sound interesting? Of course it does. Who couldn't use a guide to joy in this world? Why don't you spend some time with it? Dismount the bicycle to nowhere and follow Paul as he guides you down the trail to peace.
To share our love of FOOD
Garlicky Sesame-Cured Broccoli Salad
From the NY Times
Time: 10 minutes, plus 1 hour marinating
1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
2 heads broccoli,
1 pound each, cut into bite-size florets
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 fat garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
2 teaspoons roasted (Asian) sesame oil
Large pinch crushed red pepper flakes.
1. In a large bowl, stir together the vinegar and salt. Add broccoli and toss to combine.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil until hot, but not smoking. Add garlic and cumin and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in sesame oil and pepper flakes. Pour mixture over broccoli and toss well. Let sit for at least 1 hour at room temperature, and up to 48 (chill it if you want to keep it for more than 2 hours). Adjust seasonings (it may need more salt) and serve. Yield: 6 to 8 side-dish servings or more as an hors d'oeuvre
FUN or at the least, something to make you smile......
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"Have you ever done anything of particular merit?" St. Peter asked. "Well, I can think of one thing," the man offered. "Once, on a trip to the Black Hills out in South Dakota , I came upon a gang of bikers, who were threatening a young woman. I directed them to leave her alone, but they wouldn't listen.
"So, I approached the largest and most heavily tattooed biker and smacked him in his face, kicked his bike over, ripped out his nose ring, and threw it on the ground. I yelled, 'Now, back off! Or I'll kick the stuffing out of all of you!'
St. Peter was impressed, "When did this happen?"
"Just a couple minutes ago".
Monday, June 8, 2009
Running on low..
FAITH:
I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace while you trust in him. Then your hope will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15.13
There are those who will tell you that all you have to do is believe in yourself and you can have it all. There are others who say you can move mountains if you are driven by a great purpose. Both are partially right. But a healthy sense of identity and a driving purpose are not enough in themselves. One thing more is needed. It is the in-dwelling Spirit of the living God.
Luis Palau tells about an Air Canada flight that ran into trouble one fateful Monday. Passengers were enjoying a movie on a Boeing 767 when the jumbo jet's massive engines abruptly stopped. Only those without earphones noticed at first. Then came a break in the movie. The pilot announced that Flight 143 would be making an emergency landing. Sixty-nine people were trapped in an agonizingly slow but inescapable descent to earth.
For several minutes, a desperate silence hung over the cabin. Then fear gave way to screams as the landing neared. All the latest technology couldn't keep the jumbo jet in the air another second.
What had happened was this. The electronic digital fuel gauge was out of order. The flight crew depended on figures given by the refueling crew before takeoff. But someone on the refueling crew confused pounds for kilograms. Thus, eight hundred miles short of its destination, the jet had run out of fuel. Fortunately, the captain and the co-captain were able to glide Flight 143 some one hundred miles to a former military air field. A dramatic crash landing heavily damaged the jumbo jet's landing gear, but, by the grace of God, no one on board was hurt.
An impressive craft--headed in the right direction--but running out of fuel. That's happening to a lot of people today. They have a high sense of self-esteem. They are motivated by a sense of purpose. But one day they wake up disillusioned and disheartened. The fuel has all been spent.
Where does the fuel we need for life come from? It comes from God's in-dwelling Spirit. This was the most important gift that the Father bestowed upon those first disciples of Jesus. And this is the most important gift He can bestow upon us. And He will give it to all who ask.
by R Newhouse
FRIENDS:
Father, Our hope is in you . You are our help, our shield to protect us. We rejoice in you because we trust your Holy name. Lord, show your love to us as we put our hope in you. Thank you for loving us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE ~ JUNE~
Luke Ephesians Psalms 1 Kings
10. 3:21:38; 5:1-21; 119:73-80; 15-16
11. 4:1-12; 5:22-33; 119:81-88; 17-18
10 Things To Be Thankful For
1. The pain you get in your side when can't quit laughing
2. The last day of school
3. Giving a laughing child a ride in a wheelbarrow
4. Putting on freshly pressed clothes
5. Eating lunch in a bathing suit
6. Laying on your back gazing at the stars
7. Summer
8. Dinner by candlelight
9. The feeling of a evening breeze wafting in the window
10. People working together in harmony
FOOD:
Who knew?
Just 10 prunes delivers 20 percent of your daily potassium and copper requirements, 14 percent of your iron requirements, and 10 percent of your manganese and zinc requirements. Prunes also provide a whopping
dose of the essential vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex, including folate.
If you don't like the taste of prunes, this will definitely make them edible.
DRUNKEN PRUNES
2 heaping teaspoons Darjeeling or other black tea leaves
2 cups boiling water
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 1/4 pounds pitted prunes, (dried plums)
1 cup Armagnac, or cognac (buy a few of those little airplane sized bottles or don't use at all)
1 vanilla bean, cut in half
Directions
1. Stir tea and water in a small bowl; let steep for 5 minutes. Strain into a medium saucepan; stir in brown sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat; boil until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Place prunes in a large bowl; stir in hot syrup. Set aside to cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.
2. Meanwhile, sterilize two 1-pint canning jars by steaming them upside down, their lids alongside, in a closed steamer for 10 minutes; or place in a large pot and cover by 1 inch of water and boil for 10 minutes.
3. Drain prunes, reserving liquid separately. Whisk Armagnac (or cognac) into the liquid. Pack each sterilized jar with half the prunes. Nestle half the vanilla bean in each jar. Pour 1/2 cup of the Armagnac mixture into each jar. Seal and turn upside down to blend ingredients. Set right side up and store in the refrigerator for 1 week to plump.
FUN:
I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace while you trust in him. Then your hope will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15.13
There are those who will tell you that all you have to do is believe in yourself and you can have it all. There are others who say you can move mountains if you are driven by a great purpose. Both are partially right. But a healthy sense of identity and a driving purpose are not enough in themselves. One thing more is needed. It is the in-dwelling Spirit of the living God.
Luis Palau tells about an Air Canada flight that ran into trouble one fateful Monday. Passengers were enjoying a movie on a Boeing 767 when the jumbo jet's massive engines abruptly stopped. Only those without earphones noticed at first. Then came a break in the movie. The pilot announced that Flight 143 would be making an emergency landing. Sixty-nine people were trapped in an agonizingly slow but inescapable descent to earth.
For several minutes, a desperate silence hung over the cabin. Then fear gave way to screams as the landing neared. All the latest technology couldn't keep the jumbo jet in the air another second.
What had happened was this. The electronic digital fuel gauge was out of order. The flight crew depended on figures given by the refueling crew before takeoff. But someone on the refueling crew confused pounds for kilograms. Thus, eight hundred miles short of its destination, the jet had run out of fuel. Fortunately, the captain and the co-captain were able to glide Flight 143 some one hundred miles to a former military air field. A dramatic crash landing heavily damaged the jumbo jet's landing gear, but, by the grace of God, no one on board was hurt.
An impressive craft--headed in the right direction--but running out of fuel. That's happening to a lot of people today. They have a high sense of self-esteem. They are motivated by a sense of purpose. But one day they wake up disillusioned and disheartened. The fuel has all been spent.
Where does the fuel we need for life come from? It comes from God's in-dwelling Spirit. This was the most important gift that the Father bestowed upon those first disciples of Jesus. And this is the most important gift He can bestow upon us. And He will give it to all who ask.
by R Newhouse
FRIENDS:
Father, Our hope is in you . You are our help, our shield to protect us. We rejoice in you because we trust your Holy name. Lord, show your love to us as we put our hope in you. Thank you for loving us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE ~ JUNE~
Luke Ephesians Psalms 1 Kings
10. 3:21:38; 5:1-21; 119:73-80; 15-16
11. 4:1-12; 5:22-33; 119:81-88; 17-18
10 Things To Be Thankful For
1. The pain you get in your side when can't quit laughing
2. The last day of school
3. Giving a laughing child a ride in a wheelbarrow
4. Putting on freshly pressed clothes
5. Eating lunch in a bathing suit
6. Laying on your back gazing at the stars
7. Summer
8. Dinner by candlelight
9. The feeling of a evening breeze wafting in the window
10. People working together in harmony
FOOD:
Who knew?
Just 10 prunes delivers 20 percent of your daily potassium and copper requirements, 14 percent of your iron requirements, and 10 percent of your manganese and zinc requirements. Prunes also provide a whopping
dose of the essential vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex, including folate.
If you don't like the taste of prunes, this will definitely make them edible.
DRUNKEN PRUNES
2 heaping teaspoons Darjeeling or other black tea leaves
2 cups boiling water
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 1/4 pounds pitted prunes, (dried plums)
1 cup Armagnac, or cognac (buy a few of those little airplane sized bottles or don't use at all)
1 vanilla bean, cut in half
Directions
1. Stir tea and water in a small bowl; let steep for 5 minutes. Strain into a medium saucepan; stir in brown sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat; boil until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Place prunes in a large bowl; stir in hot syrup. Set aside to cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.
2. Meanwhile, sterilize two 1-pint canning jars by steaming them upside down, their lids alongside, in a closed steamer for 10 minutes; or place in a large pot and cover by 1 inch of water and boil for 10 minutes.
3. Drain prunes, reserving liquid separately. Whisk Armagnac (or cognac) into the liquid. Pack each sterilized jar with half the prunes. Nestle half the vanilla bean in each jar. Pour 1/2 cup of the Armagnac mixture into each jar. Seal and turn upside down to blend ingredients. Set right side up and store in the refrigerator for 1 week to plump.
FUN:
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Another bad choice
FUN:
FAITH:
Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before me.” (Jonah 1:1-2)
If you grew up in church, you know the story of Jonah. God asked him to go to Nineveh, a city of 120,000, to help him save them from their own wickedness.
Like most of us, when we run from what we think is trouble, we often go somewhere we think we cannot be found. So, too did Jonah. He refused to obey God, went to Joppa, and boarded a ship to take to Tarshish, a place where he thought God would never find him.
But as so often is the case, God had other plans for Jonah, and needed to provide a little drama to get him to say, “Yes, Lord”. A great storm arose on the journey home. Jonah’s shipmates blamed him for their demise:
“Why have you done this?” For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them. Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you that the sea may be calm for us?” - for the sea was growing more tempestuous. And he said to them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you. For I know that this great tempest is because of me.” Nevertheless the men rowed hard to return to land, but they could not, for the sea continued to grow more tempestuous against them. Therefore they cried out to the Lord and said, “We pray, O Lord, please do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O Lord, have done as it pleased You.” So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice to the Lord and took vows.” (Jonah 1:10-16)
The moral here: Sometimes God puts us on our backs (or in the belly of a great fish) to get us to look up. And boy did Jonah ever look up after he ended up in the belly of a fish. “I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction,” Jonah said, “and he answered me.” (Jonah 2:2)
This story, and its message to all of us, is no matter how distant God may seem, or how much trouble we are in, we are never out of his reach. God can deliver us from anything, even when the source of trouble is often of our own making. He can always be found – no matter what the storm.
We often blame God for the troubles that come our way because we know he is an omnipotent God. In other words, he has the power to stop it from coming, so when it does come, it must be his fault. This is flawed thinking. God lets trouble come our way for two reasons. First, it’s through and from troubles that we learn the greatest lessons of life. And because of them, we draw closer not farther from God. Second, God may let the trouble come our way, but we shouldn’t blame him for them.
Most of the time, trouble comes because of the decisions we make. God doesn’t always make it happen. But he does always lets it happen, and figures we are likely to learn something from it. He was right about Jonah. Hopefully, he’s right about us, too. by M. Ruffin
FRIENDS:
Father, We your children don't always realize that our actions grieve you. Please make me aware when the things in my life grieve you and forgive me of those sins. In Jesus' name, Amen
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE ~JUNE~
Luke Ephesians Psalms 1 Kings
7. 2:21-40; 4:1-16; 119:49-56; 11
8. 2:41-52; 4:17-24; 119: 57-64; 12
9. 3:1-20; 4:25-32; 119:65-72; 13-14
10 Things To Be Thankful For
1. Knowing where people stand with you
2. Simple sounds like the reverberating of a large bell
3. The thrill of something dangerous. Hang gliding or sky-diving
4. A full freezer
5. The feel of the wind when you're on a boat
6. Carrots, just pulled out of the ground
7. A warm lazy Sunday afternoon
8. Trusting your baby-sitter
9. Laughing at yourself
10. Being able to find the circuit breaker
FOOD:
Times are hard and it's said 'a woman can throw more money away in a teaspoon than a man can with a shovel'. So let's go back to the old ways that were definitely cheaper and prove "them" wrong.
"Almost Hamburger Helper" Mix in a Jar
2 cups nonfat dry milk
1 cup corn starch
1/4 cup beef bouillon powder
2 tablespoons onion flakes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 tablespoon garlic powder
Mix the ingredients together and store in an airtight jar.
Attach the following recipes to the jar:
Chili Mac:
1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
1 c water
1/2 c macaroni noodles (uncooked)
2 cans chopped tomatoes
1 T chili powder
1/2 cup mix
Combine all and simmer 20 minutes or until macaroni is cooked.
Stroganoff:
1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
2 c water
1/2 c mix
2 c uncooked egg noodles
1/2 cup sour cream
Combine all except sour cream. Simmer 20 minutes or until noodles are tender
Stir in sour cream and serve.
Potato Beef Casserole:
1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
3/4 c water
6 potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 c frozen mixed veggies
1/2 cup mix
Combine all and simmer, covered, until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes
stirring occasionally. Remove cover and cook until excess water is
evaporated.
Quick Lasagna:
1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
1/2 c mix
1 onion, chopped
2 c water
16 oz tomato sauce
3 c lasagna noodles, uncooked, broken in bits
1/4 c parmesan cheese
2 c mozzarella cheese, shredded
Combine all except mozzarella in large skillet. Bring to a boil, let simmer
for 15 minutes or until noodles are cooked. Top with mozzarella. Turn off
heat and let cheese melt.
FAITH:Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before me.” (Jonah 1:1-2)
If you grew up in church, you know the story of Jonah. God asked him to go to Nineveh, a city of 120,000, to help him save them from their own wickedness.
Like most of us, when we run from what we think is trouble, we often go somewhere we think we cannot be found. So, too did Jonah. He refused to obey God, went to Joppa, and boarded a ship to take to Tarshish, a place where he thought God would never find him.
But as so often is the case, God had other plans for Jonah, and needed to provide a little drama to get him to say, “Yes, Lord”. A great storm arose on the journey home. Jonah’s shipmates blamed him for their demise:
“Why have you done this?” For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them. Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you that the sea may be calm for us?” - for the sea was growing more tempestuous. And he said to them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you. For I know that this great tempest is because of me.” Nevertheless the men rowed hard to return to land, but they could not, for the sea continued to grow more tempestuous against them. Therefore they cried out to the Lord and said, “We pray, O Lord, please do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O Lord, have done as it pleased You.” So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice to the Lord and took vows.” (Jonah 1:10-16)
The moral here: Sometimes God puts us on our backs (or in the belly of a great fish) to get us to look up. And boy did Jonah ever look up after he ended up in the belly of a fish. “I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction,” Jonah said, “and he answered me.” (Jonah 2:2)
This story, and its message to all of us, is no matter how distant God may seem, or how much trouble we are in, we are never out of his reach. God can deliver us from anything, even when the source of trouble is often of our own making. He can always be found – no matter what the storm.
We often blame God for the troubles that come our way because we know he is an omnipotent God. In other words, he has the power to stop it from coming, so when it does come, it must be his fault. This is flawed thinking. God lets trouble come our way for two reasons. First, it’s through and from troubles that we learn the greatest lessons of life. And because of them, we draw closer not farther from God. Second, God may let the trouble come our way, but we shouldn’t blame him for them.
Most of the time, trouble comes because of the decisions we make. God doesn’t always make it happen. But he does always lets it happen, and figures we are likely to learn something from it. He was right about Jonah. Hopefully, he’s right about us, too. by M. Ruffin
FRIENDS:
Father, We your children don't always realize that our actions grieve you. Please make me aware when the things in my life grieve you and forgive me of those sins. In Jesus' name, Amen
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE ~JUNE~
Luke Ephesians Psalms 1 Kings
7. 2:21-40; 4:1-16; 119:49-56; 11
8. 2:41-52; 4:17-24; 119: 57-64; 12
9. 3:1-20; 4:25-32; 119:65-72; 13-14
10 Things To Be Thankful For
1. Knowing where people stand with you
2. Simple sounds like the reverberating of a large bell
3. The thrill of something dangerous. Hang gliding or sky-diving
4. A full freezer
5. The feel of the wind when you're on a boat
6. Carrots, just pulled out of the ground
7. A warm lazy Sunday afternoon
8. Trusting your baby-sitter
9. Laughing at yourself
10. Being able to find the circuit breaker
FOOD:
Times are hard and it's said 'a woman can throw more money away in a teaspoon than a man can with a shovel'. So let's go back to the old ways that were definitely cheaper and prove "them" wrong.
"Almost Hamburger Helper" Mix in a Jar
2 cups nonfat dry milk
1 cup corn starch
1/4 cup beef bouillon powder
2 tablespoons onion flakes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 tablespoon garlic powder
Mix the ingredients together and store in an airtight jar.
Attach the following recipes to the jar:
Chili Mac:
1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
1 c water
1/2 c macaroni noodles (uncooked)
2 cans chopped tomatoes
1 T chili powder
1/2 cup mix
Combine all and simmer 20 minutes or until macaroni is cooked.
Stroganoff:
1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
2 c water
1/2 c mix
2 c uncooked egg noodles
1/2 cup sour cream
Combine all except sour cream. Simmer 20 minutes or until noodles are tender
Stir in sour cream and serve.
Potato Beef Casserole:
1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
3/4 c water
6 potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 c frozen mixed veggies
1/2 cup mix
Combine all and simmer, covered, until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes
stirring occasionally. Remove cover and cook until excess water is
evaporated.
Quick Lasagna:
1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
1/2 c mix
1 onion, chopped
2 c water
16 oz tomato sauce
3 c lasagna noodles, uncooked, broken in bits
1/4 c parmesan cheese
2 c mozzarella cheese, shredded
Combine all except mozzarella in large skillet. Bring to a boil, let simmer
for 15 minutes or until noodles are cooked. Top with mozzarella. Turn off
heat and let cheese melt.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Where do you put your trust?
FAITH:
Today many fears fill our lives. We fear poverty, sickness, loneliness, death. We fear the dangers of the night and the pressures of the day.
David learned that the only way to be released from fears was to TRUST the Lord. "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." He changed the focus of his eyes from his situation to the Lord. Faith replaced fear. He PUT his trust in the Lord. This was an act of his will. "In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me" (Psalms 56:11)
Freedom from fear is the result of confidence and trust in God. We may be helpless against fear, but God is not. When trusting God, there is nothing to fear.
Faith is more than believing what God can do. It is trust in the Person of God Himself. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He IS, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" (Heb 11:6)..........
One day a father discovered his little boy had climbed an old tree. The limbs were beginning to break under the boy's weight. The father held up his arms and called, "Jump! I'll catch you." The little son considered the offer for a moment. Then, as more limbs began to break, he said "Shall I let go of everything, Daddy, and trust you?"
What a lesson for us. Our Heavenly Father wants us to let go of everything and trust Him. by Millie Stamm
Think about the fears and needs in your life. In what ways have you "let go of everything" and put your trust in God to meet those needs? Pray or write your own psalm of trust to God. Praise him for his faithfulness to you.
FRIENDS:
Father, Help us today to maintain our promise of faithfulness. We need you most, we rely on you and depend on you and trust you in everything. Our hope and our sights are always on the one thing that will never change, you and your love for us. In Jesus' name, Amen
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE ~ JUNE
Luke Ephesians Psalms 1 Kings
5. 1:67-80; 3:1-13; 119:33-40; 8
6. 2:1-20; 3:14-21; 119: 41-58; 9-10
~Ephesians~
I just witnessed a beautiful wedding. The most beautiful I've ever seen. That says a lot since I've seen a lot. Ministers see many weddings. It's a perk of the profession.
Is there anything more elegant that a wedding. Candles bathe a chapel in gold. Families fill the pews in love. Groomsmen and bridesmaids descend the aisles with bouquets of newness and rings of promise. What an occasion.
And nothing quite compares with that moment when the bride stands at the top of the aisle. Arm entwined with her father's, she takes those final steps with him and steps toward a new life with him.
Ahhh, the glory of a wedding. So to say I just saw the most beautiful one is no small thing. What made these nuptials so unforgettable? The groom Usually the groom is not the star of the wedding. The fellow is typically upstaged by the girl. But this wedding was made special by the groom
It was enhanced by something he did.
And who he was made what he did even more startling. You see, he's a cowboy: a stocky fellow who went to college on a rodeo scholarship. but what stood by me was not a nacho calf roper, but a pinch-me-I'm-dreaming boy who'd never seen a bride so gorgeous.
He was composed as he walked down the aisle. He was fine as he took his place at the alter.
But when he saw the bride, he wept.
It was the moment he'd dreamed of. It was as if he'd been given life's greatest gift---a bride in all her beauty. By the way, those are the very words Paul uses to describe the church: a bride in all her beauty.
"He (Jesus) died so he could give the church to himself like a bride in all her beauty. He died so that the church could be pure and without fault, with no evil or sin or any other wrong thing in it" (5:27).
Ponder that verse. Jesus died for a bride. He died so he could be married. This passage anticipates the day when the groom will see his bride---when Christ will receive his church. Jesus' fondest longing will be fulfilled. His bride will arrive.
The letter to the Ephesians celebrates the beauty of the church---the Bride of Christ. From our perspective, the church isn't so pretty. We see the backbiting, the squabbling, the divisions. Heaven sees that , as well. but heaven sees more. Heaven sees the church as cleansed and made holy by Christ.
Heaven sees the church ascending to heaven. Heaven sees the Bride wearing the spotless gown of Jesus Christ.
It's enough to make one weep.
by Max Lucado
FOOD:
Chef Paul Prudhomme's Poultry Magic
Use it when you barbecue, roast, grill, or sauté your favorite chicken, turkey, duck, or Cornish game hens.
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp rubbed sage
dash cumin
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Store in a covered container. Sprinkle on any poultry to taste.
Makes 4 teaspoons
FUN:
Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
* Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
* Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
* Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be "Recalled" by their maker.
* If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to be kind to others.
* The second mouse gets the cheese.
* When every thing's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
* Birthdays are good for you, the more you have, the longer you live.
* You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person..
*A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
Today many fears fill our lives. We fear poverty, sickness, loneliness, death. We fear the dangers of the night and the pressures of the day.
David learned that the only way to be released from fears was to TRUST the Lord. "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." He changed the focus of his eyes from his situation to the Lord. Faith replaced fear. He PUT his trust in the Lord. This was an act of his will. "In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me" (Psalms 56:11)
Freedom from fear is the result of confidence and trust in God. We may be helpless against fear, but God is not. When trusting God, there is nothing to fear.
Faith is more than believing what God can do. It is trust in the Person of God Himself. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He IS, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" (Heb 11:6)..........
One day a father discovered his little boy had climbed an old tree. The limbs were beginning to break under the boy's weight. The father held up his arms and called, "Jump! I'll catch you." The little son considered the offer for a moment. Then, as more limbs began to break, he said "Shall I let go of everything, Daddy, and trust you?"
What a lesson for us. Our Heavenly Father wants us to let go of everything and trust Him. by Millie Stamm
Think about the fears and needs in your life. In what ways have you "let go of everything" and put your trust in God to meet those needs? Pray or write your own psalm of trust to God. Praise him for his faithfulness to you.
You, Lord, give true peace
to those who depend on you,
because they trust you.
So, trust the Lord always,
because he is our Rock forever.
Isaiah 26:3-4
to those who depend on you,
because they trust you.
So, trust the Lord always,
because he is our Rock forever.
Isaiah 26:3-4
FRIENDS:
Father, Help us today to maintain our promise of faithfulness. We need you most, we rely on you and depend on you and trust you in everything. Our hope and our sights are always on the one thing that will never change, you and your love for us. In Jesus' name, Amen
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE ~ JUNE
Luke Ephesians Psalms 1 Kings
5. 1:67-80; 3:1-13; 119:33-40; 8
6. 2:1-20; 3:14-21; 119: 41-58; 9-10
~Ephesians~
I just witnessed a beautiful wedding. The most beautiful I've ever seen. That says a lot since I've seen a lot. Ministers see many weddings. It's a perk of the profession.
Is there anything more elegant that a wedding. Candles bathe a chapel in gold. Families fill the pews in love. Groomsmen and bridesmaids descend the aisles with bouquets of newness and rings of promise. What an occasion.
And nothing quite compares with that moment when the bride stands at the top of the aisle. Arm entwined with her father's, she takes those final steps with him and steps toward a new life with him.
Ahhh, the glory of a wedding. So to say I just saw the most beautiful one is no small thing. What made these nuptials so unforgettable? The groom Usually the groom is not the star of the wedding. The fellow is typically upstaged by the girl. But this wedding was made special by the groom
It was enhanced by something he did.
And who he was made what he did even more startling. You see, he's a cowboy: a stocky fellow who went to college on a rodeo scholarship. but what stood by me was not a nacho calf roper, but a pinch-me-I'm-dreaming boy who'd never seen a bride so gorgeous.
He was composed as he walked down the aisle. He was fine as he took his place at the alter.
But when he saw the bride, he wept.
It was the moment he'd dreamed of. It was as if he'd been given life's greatest gift---a bride in all her beauty. By the way, those are the very words Paul uses to describe the church: a bride in all her beauty.
"He (Jesus) died so he could give the church to himself like a bride in all her beauty. He died so that the church could be pure and without fault, with no evil or sin or any other wrong thing in it" (5:27).
Ponder that verse. Jesus died for a bride. He died so he could be married. This passage anticipates the day when the groom will see his bride---when Christ will receive his church. Jesus' fondest longing will be fulfilled. His bride will arrive.
The letter to the Ephesians celebrates the beauty of the church---the Bride of Christ. From our perspective, the church isn't so pretty. We see the backbiting, the squabbling, the divisions. Heaven sees that , as well. but heaven sees more. Heaven sees the church as cleansed and made holy by Christ.
Heaven sees the church ascending to heaven. Heaven sees the Bride wearing the spotless gown of Jesus Christ.
It's enough to make one weep.
by Max Lucado
FOOD:
Chef Paul Prudhomme's Poultry Magic
Use it when you barbecue, roast, grill, or sauté your favorite chicken, turkey, duck, or Cornish game hens.
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp rubbed sage
dash cumin
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Store in a covered container. Sprinkle on any poultry to taste.
Makes 4 teaspoons
FUN:
Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
* Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
* Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
* Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be "Recalled" by their maker.
* If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to be kind to others.
* The second mouse gets the cheese.
* When every thing's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
* Birthdays are good for you, the more you have, the longer you live.
* You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person..
*A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Not Everyone Who Hears Understands
FAITH:
Matthew 12:46 - 13:17
Our Lord warns that the human heart can be so pounded and beaten down with the traffic of sin that it becomes completely insensitive to the gospel. This is the heart that know no repentance, no sorrow over sin, no guilt, and no concern for the things of God. It allows itself to be trampled by an endless procession of evil thoughts, cherished sins, and ungodly activities. It is careless, callous, indifferent, never broken up or softened by conviction or sorrow for wrong doing. this is the heart of the fool described in Proverbs. The fool hates knowledge, and resists instruction. The fool despises wisdom and says in his heart there is no God. He will not hear. His mind is closed. And he does not want to be bothered with a gospel invitation.
Many people have hearts like that. You can shower them with seed, but it just lies there. It does not penetrate. And it does not stay very long before Satan comes and takes it away completely. Each time you try to witness to such a person, you must start again at the beginning.
Dry, hard, soil on the edge of the field does not necessarily signify someone who is anti-religious. Some of the hardest individuals in the world remain on the fringes of true religion. But because sin has so hardened their hearts, they are utterly unproductive and unresponsive to God.
by John F. MacArthur, Jr.
Applying it: How are the teachings of Jesus received by those who follow him? Why is it that some people are unable to understand God's words? Pray for a soft heart that wants to understand all that God teaches.
FRIENDS:
Father, In your word in Zechariah it says, "But they refused to pay attention; they were stubborn and did not want to listen anymore. they made their hearts as hard as rock and would not listen to the teachings of the Lord All-Powerful. And they would not hear the words he sent by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. So the Lord All-Powerful became very angry. Please don't let us be those people Lord. Please keep our hearts soft and our ears open to you. We want to be led by your Spirit and to be your children. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
Luke Ephesians Psalms 1 Kings
3. 1:39-56; 2:1-10; 119:17-24; 4-5
4. 1:57-66; 2:11-22; 119: 25-32; 6-7
~Luke~
Nearly two thousand years ago a doctor named Luke began a letter to a friend with there words:
Many have tried to report on the things that happened among us. They have written the same things that we learned from others---the people who saw those things from the beginning and served God by telling people his message. Since I myself have studied everything carefully form the beginning, most excellent Theophilus, it seems good for me to write it our for you.. I arranged it in order to help you know that what you have been taught is true. (1:1-14)
Luke and Theophilus shared two loves: a love for Christ and a love for the facts. They didn't want legends, they wanted truth. And so Dr. Luke Begins to sort the truth and report the facts to Theophilus. The result is part letter and part research paper.
It is part letter because it was written for a friend. What a bond must have existed between these two that Luke would labor so! It is part research paper, because Luke had studied everything carefully from the beginning and he wanted Theophilus to benefit from his study.
Can't you envision him in the home of Mary, "Tell me again what happened in Bethlehem." Can't you see him peppering Matthew with questions? "Let me see if I got this parable right." Or on long walk with Peter, " When you denied him the third time, did Jesus know?" With the skill of a surgeon, Luke probes for the truth.
Why?
So his friend could know that what he had been taught was true.
Did Luke have any idea that millions of us would benefit from his study? I doubt it. All he did was share the truth with a friend.
Can you imagine what would happen if we all did the same?
FOOD:
Turkey in the Crock
Ingredients
4-6 lb. turkey breast or 3 lb. boneless breast
1 pkg. dry onion soup mix
1 can whole cranberry sauce
2 tart apples, cored and sliced into eighths
1/2 c. raisins
1/2 c. chicken broth, optional
Directions
Place turkey breast in a large crock-pot; add remaining ingredients.
Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. Serves 8.
FUN:
SAYING GOODBYE TO MOTHER.......
You don't have to own a cat to appreciate this one! You don't even have to like 'em!
We were dressed and ready to go out for the New Years Eve Party. We turned on a night light, turned the answering machine on, covered our pet parakeet and put the cat in the backyard. We phoned the local cab company and requested a taxi. The taxi arrived and we opened the front door to leave the house. The cat we put out in the back yard, scoots back into the front door.
We didn't want the cat shut in the house because she always tries to eat the bird. My wife goes out to the taxi, while I went inside to get the cat. The cat runs upstairs, with me in hot pursuit. Waiting in the cab, my wife
doesn't want the driver to know that the house will be empty for the night. So, she explains to the taxi driver that I will be out soon, 'He's just going upstairs to say Goodbye to my mother.'
A few minutes later, I get into the cab. 'Sorry I took so long,' I said, as we drove away. 'That stupid old bag was hiding under the bed. I had to poke her with a coat hanger to get her to come out! She tried to take off, so I
grabbed her by the neck. Then, I had to wrap her in a blanket to keep her from scratching me. But it worked! I hauled her fat butt downstairs and threw her out into the back yard!
The cab driver hit a parked car.
Thanks to Cbev for sending this one.....keep those jokes coming folks.
Matthew 12:46 - 13:17
Our Lord warns that the human heart can be so pounded and beaten down with the traffic of sin that it becomes completely insensitive to the gospel. This is the heart that know no repentance, no sorrow over sin, no guilt, and no concern for the things of God. It allows itself to be trampled by an endless procession of evil thoughts, cherished sins, and ungodly activities. It is careless, callous, indifferent, never broken up or softened by conviction or sorrow for wrong doing. this is the heart of the fool described in Proverbs. The fool hates knowledge, and resists instruction. The fool despises wisdom and says in his heart there is no God. He will not hear. His mind is closed. And he does not want to be bothered with a gospel invitation.
Many people have hearts like that. You can shower them with seed, but it just lies there. It does not penetrate. And it does not stay very long before Satan comes and takes it away completely. Each time you try to witness to such a person, you must start again at the beginning.
Dry, hard, soil on the edge of the field does not necessarily signify someone who is anti-religious. Some of the hardest individuals in the world remain on the fringes of true religion. But because sin has so hardened their hearts, they are utterly unproductive and unresponsive to God.
by John F. MacArthur, Jr.
Applying it: How are the teachings of Jesus received by those who follow him? Why is it that some people are unable to understand God's words? Pray for a soft heart that wants to understand all that God teaches.
FRIENDS:
Father, In your word in Zechariah it says, "But they refused to pay attention; they were stubborn and did not want to listen anymore. they made their hearts as hard as rock and would not listen to the teachings of the Lord All-Powerful. And they would not hear the words he sent by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. So the Lord All-Powerful became very angry. Please don't let us be those people Lord. Please keep our hearts soft and our ears open to you. We want to be led by your Spirit and to be your children. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
Luke Ephesians Psalms 1 Kings
3. 1:39-56; 2:1-10; 119:17-24; 4-5
4. 1:57-66; 2:11-22; 119: 25-32; 6-7
~Luke~
Nearly two thousand years ago a doctor named Luke began a letter to a friend with there words:
Many have tried to report on the things that happened among us. They have written the same things that we learned from others---the people who saw those things from the beginning and served God by telling people his message. Since I myself have studied everything carefully form the beginning, most excellent Theophilus, it seems good for me to write it our for you.. I arranged it in order to help you know that what you have been taught is true. (1:1-14)
Luke and Theophilus shared two loves: a love for Christ and a love for the facts. They didn't want legends, they wanted truth. And so Dr. Luke Begins to sort the truth and report the facts to Theophilus. The result is part letter and part research paper.
It is part letter because it was written for a friend. What a bond must have existed between these two that Luke would labor so! It is part research paper, because Luke had studied everything carefully from the beginning and he wanted Theophilus to benefit from his study.
Can't you envision him in the home of Mary, "Tell me again what happened in Bethlehem." Can't you see him peppering Matthew with questions? "Let me see if I got this parable right." Or on long walk with Peter, " When you denied him the third time, did Jesus know?" With the skill of a surgeon, Luke probes for the truth.
Why?
So his friend could know that what he had been taught was true.
Did Luke have any idea that millions of us would benefit from his study? I doubt it. All he did was share the truth with a friend.
Can you imagine what would happen if we all did the same?
FOOD:
Turkey in the Crock
Ingredients
4-6 lb. turkey breast or 3 lb. boneless breast
1 pkg. dry onion soup mix
1 can whole cranberry sauce
2 tart apples, cored and sliced into eighths
1/2 c. raisins
1/2 c. chicken broth, optional
Directions
Place turkey breast in a large crock-pot; add remaining ingredients.
Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. Serves 8.
FUN:
SAYING GOODBYE TO MOTHER.......
You don't have to own a cat to appreciate this one! You don't even have to like 'em!
We were dressed and ready to go out for the New Years Eve Party. We turned on a night light, turned the answering machine on, covered our pet parakeet and put the cat in the backyard. We phoned the local cab company and requested a taxi. The taxi arrived and we opened the front door to leave the house. The cat we put out in the back yard, scoots back into the front door.
We didn't want the cat shut in the house because she always tries to eat the bird. My wife goes out to the taxi, while I went inside to get the cat. The cat runs upstairs, with me in hot pursuit. Waiting in the cab, my wife
doesn't want the driver to know that the house will be empty for the night. So, she explains to the taxi driver that I will be out soon, 'He's just going upstairs to say Goodbye to my mother.'
A few minutes later, I get into the cab. 'Sorry I took so long,' I said, as we drove away. 'That stupid old bag was hiding under the bed. I had to poke her with a coat hanger to get her to come out! She tried to take off, so I
grabbed her by the neck. Then, I had to wrap her in a blanket to keep her from scratching me. But it worked! I hauled her fat butt downstairs and threw her out into the back yard!
The cab driver hit a parked car.
Thanks to Cbev for sending this one.....keep those jokes coming folks.
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