FAITH:
Mark 11:15-12:12
How do you pray a prayer so filled with faith that it can move a mountain? By shifting the focus from the size of your mountain to the sufficiency of the mountain mover; and by stepping forward in obedience. . .
While the children of Israel are perched on the edge of the Promised Land, twelve spies go out to survey it. Ten come back saying, "You wouldn't believe the size of the cities, the armies, the giants. We'd better look somewhere else." Two come back saying, "The God who is faithful promised He would give us the land, so let's go in His strength." Ten looked at the size of the mountain and fell back; only two looked at the sufficiency of the mountain mover and wanted to move forward . . . .
I challenge you to shift the focus of your prayer. Don't spend a lot of time describing your mountain to the Lord. He knows what it is. Instead, focus your attention on the mountain mover---His glory, power and faithfulness. Then start walking in faith, following his leading, and watch that mountain step aside. by Bill Hybels
Applying it: How does God want us to ask Him for what we need? In what remarkable ways has God answered your prayers? Make a list of them.
The Lord is close to everyone
who prays to him,
to all who truly pray to him.
He gives those who respect him what they want.
He listens when they cry, and he saves them
Psalms 145:18-19
FRIENDS:
Father, You have promised that I may come to You with confidence and You will hear my prayer. Let the confidence of Your promise shine through my life in everything I do. Let my trust in You speak boldly to those whom You have given me to cherish. Let each day begin with the knowledge that only through You can we have the peace that passes all understanding and the reward of everlasting life with you. In Jesus' name, Amen
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE ~JULY~
9. Luke 9:18-27; Col 4:10-18; Psalms 133-134; 1 Chron 20-22
10. Luke 9:28-36; 1 Thessalonians 1; Psalms 135; 1 Chron 23-25
11. Luke 9:37-50; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-9; Psalms 136; 1 Chron 26-29
~FIRST THESSALONIANS~
In the third century, St. Cyprian wrote to a friend named Donatus:
This seems a cheerful world, Donatus, when I view it from this fair garden under the shadow of these vines. But if I climbed some great mountain and looked out over the wide lands, ou know very well what I would see; brigands on the high road, pirates on the seas, in the amphitheaters men murdered to please the applauding crowds, under all roofs misery and selfishness. It really is a bad world, Donatus, an incredibly bad world.
Yet, in the midst of it, I have found a quiet and holy people. They have a joy which is a thousand times better than any pleasure of this sinful life. they are despised and persecuted, but they care not. they have overcome the world. These people, Donatus, are Christians . . .and I am one of them.
(Gordon MacDonald, Forging a Realworld Faith)
What a compliment! A quiet and holy people. Is there any phrase which captures the essence of the faith any better? A quiet and holy people.
Quiet.
Not obnoxious. Not boastful. Not demanding. Just quiet. contagiously quiet.
Holy.
Set apart. Pure Decent. Honest. Wholesome. Holy. A quiet and holy people.
Paul urges the same from us.
"Do all you can to live a peaceful life. Take care of your own business. and do your own work as we have already told you. If you do, then people who are not believers will respect you, and you will not have to depend on others for what you need" (4:11, 12)
A quiet and holy people. That describes the church in Thessalonica. May that describe the church today. by Max Lucado
FOOD:
Calico Bean Casserole
6 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled (reserve bacon drippings)
1 cup chopped onions
1 16oz can pork & beans
1 16oz can kidney beans, drained
1 16oz can lima beans, drained
1lb ground beef, browned and drained
1/2 cup catsup
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp dry mustard
2 tsp cider vinegar
Saute onions in bacon drippings, or cook w/ground beef to save time. Combine all ingredients in 2qt casserole dish. Bake at 350 for 45 mintues.
FUN:
God's Problem Now.
His wife's grave side service was just barely finished, when there was a massive clap of thunder, followed by a tremendous bolt of lightning,
accompanied by even more thunder rumbling in the distance. The little old man looked at the pastor and calmly said, 'Well, she's there.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
The Acts of Encouragement...
FAITH:
Acts 15:22-16:10
I was rushing around trying to get dinner ready for my husband and house guests.........
Just as I began last-minute preparations, the doorbell rang. I ran to answer it. A friend had stopped by to drop off a folder of information for my husband.
"How are you, Doris?"
I began to tell her that I was a little tired and frazzled around the edges, when I noticed she wasn't listening. Before I could finish my response, she said, "That's good. It's nice to see you." And with that she left.
I walked slowly back to my kitchen, feeling lonely and deflated. My friend had let me down when I could have used just a word of encouragement, maybe even a quick prayer.
Mechanically, I began to set the table. Why didn't she hear me? Doesn't she care how I am? I just needed a little of her time.
And then I heard the words: Doris, you've done this to people, too. Let this be a lesson to you. Listen to those I send across your path. Give them at least five minutes, even if you are in a hurry. Stop and pray with them.
by Doris Greig
The right work spoken at the
right time
is as beautiful as gold apples in
a silver bowl
Proverbs 25:11
The reading in Proverbs summarizes the beauty of encouragement well, doesn't it? What has been your most encouraging experience? What, in today's text in Acts, is the kind of encouragement offered in each of these
examples? How do they help you know how to encourage others?
FRIENDS:
Father, sometimes I am so busy with the little things in life that I don't stop and listen to others. Please forgive me. Direct my life so that others may be lifted up by my sharing with them the voice of your Spirit. Help me to recognize how important this is, this sharing of myself and my time with others. Help me to radiate Your love. In Jesus name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE ~JULY~
6. Luke 8:26-39; Colossians 3:1-14; Psalms 129; 1 Chronicles 12-14
7. Luke 8:40-56; Colossians 3:15-25; Psalms 130-131; 1 Chronicles 15-16
8. Luke 9:1-17; Colossians 4:1-9; Psalms 132; 1 Chronicles 17-19
10 Things To Be Thankful For
1. Being up early when the day is new and damp with dew
2. When someone apologizes to you
3. Realizing that our lives are what our thoughts are
4. Proudly wearing a wedding band
5. Finding an antique treasure at a garage sale
6. A hand written letter
7. Seeing truth and beauty in things
8. Slowing down and listening to silence
9; The smells and sounds of a place you love
10. The sound of a child singing a made-up song
FOOD:
Cheesy Zucchini Rice Casserole
INGREDIENTS
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
3 medium zucchini, cut into 1/8-inch slices
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
4 cups (16 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
2 cups (16 ounces) sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped green pepper
2 tablespoons chopped onion
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 large tomato, sliced
DIRECTIONS Cook rice according to package directions. In a saucepan, cook zucchini in 1 in. of water until crisp-tender; drain and set aside. Place rice in a greased shallow 3-qt. baking dish. Layer with chilies and 1-1/2 cups cheese. In a bowl, combine the sour cream, green pepper, onion, parsley, salt and oregano. Spread over cheese. Layer with zucchini and tomato. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until heated through and cheese is melted. Yield: 12 servings
FUN:
It's all in the spelling...
A young monk arrives at the monastery. He is assigned to helping the other monks in copying the old canons and laws of the church by hand.
He notices, however, that all of the monks are copying from copies, not from the original manuscript. So, the new monk goes to the head abbot to question this, pointing out that if someone made even a small error in the first copy, it would never be picked up! In fact, that error would be continued in all of the subsequent copies.
The head monk, says, "We have been copying from the copies for centuries, but you make a good point, my son."
He goes down into the dark caves underneath the monastery where the original manuscripts are held as archives in a locked vault that hasn't been opened for hundreds of years. Hours go by and nobody sees the old abbot.
So, the young monk gets worried and goes down to look for him. He sees him banging his head against the wall and wailing.
"We missed the R!
We missed the R!
We missed the R!"
His forehead is all bloody and bruised and he is crying uncontrollably. The young monk asks the old abbot, "What's wrong, father?" With A choking voice, the old abbot replies, "The word was.. CELEBRATE"
Acts 15:22-16:10
I was rushing around trying to get dinner ready for my husband and house guests.........
Just as I began last-minute preparations, the doorbell rang. I ran to answer it. A friend had stopped by to drop off a folder of information for my husband.
"How are you, Doris?"
I began to tell her that I was a little tired and frazzled around the edges, when I noticed she wasn't listening. Before I could finish my response, she said, "That's good. It's nice to see you." And with that she left.
I walked slowly back to my kitchen, feeling lonely and deflated. My friend had let me down when I could have used just a word of encouragement, maybe even a quick prayer.
Mechanically, I began to set the table. Why didn't she hear me? Doesn't she care how I am? I just needed a little of her time.
And then I heard the words: Doris, you've done this to people, too. Let this be a lesson to you. Listen to those I send across your path. Give them at least five minutes, even if you are in a hurry. Stop and pray with them.
by Doris Greig
The right work spoken at the
right time
is as beautiful as gold apples in
a silver bowl
Proverbs 25:11
The reading in Proverbs summarizes the beauty of encouragement well, doesn't it? What has been your most encouraging experience? What, in today's text in Acts, is the kind of encouragement offered in each of these
examples? How do they help you know how to encourage others?
FRIENDS:
Father, sometimes I am so busy with the little things in life that I don't stop and listen to others. Please forgive me. Direct my life so that others may be lifted up by my sharing with them the voice of your Spirit. Help me to recognize how important this is, this sharing of myself and my time with others. Help me to radiate Your love. In Jesus name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE ~JULY~
6. Luke 8:26-39; Colossians 3:1-14; Psalms 129; 1 Chronicles 12-14
7. Luke 8:40-56; Colossians 3:15-25; Psalms 130-131; 1 Chronicles 15-16
8. Luke 9:1-17; Colossians 4:1-9; Psalms 132; 1 Chronicles 17-19
10 Things To Be Thankful For
1. Being up early when the day is new and damp with dew
2. When someone apologizes to you
3. Realizing that our lives are what our thoughts are
4. Proudly wearing a wedding band
5. Finding an antique treasure at a garage sale
6. A hand written letter
7. Seeing truth and beauty in things
8. Slowing down and listening to silence
9; The smells and sounds of a place you love
10. The sound of a child singing a made-up song
FOOD:
Cheesy Zucchini Rice Casserole
INGREDIENTS
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
3 medium zucchini, cut into 1/8-inch slices
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
4 cups (16 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
2 cups (16 ounces) sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped green pepper
2 tablespoons chopped onion
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 large tomato, sliced
DIRECTIONS Cook rice according to package directions. In a saucepan, cook zucchini in 1 in. of water until crisp-tender; drain and set aside. Place rice in a greased shallow 3-qt. baking dish. Layer with chilies and 1-1/2 cups cheese. In a bowl, combine the sour cream, green pepper, onion, parsley, salt and oregano. Spread over cheese. Layer with zucchini and tomato. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until heated through and cheese is melted. Yield: 12 servings
FUN:
It's all in the spelling...
A young monk arrives at the monastery. He is assigned to helping the other monks in copying the old canons and laws of the church by hand.
He notices, however, that all of the monks are copying from copies, not from the original manuscript. So, the new monk goes to the head abbot to question this, pointing out that if someone made even a small error in the first copy, it would never be picked up! In fact, that error would be continued in all of the subsequent copies.
The head monk, says, "We have been copying from the copies for centuries, but you make a good point, my son."
He goes down into the dark caves underneath the monastery where the original manuscripts are held as archives in a locked vault that hasn't been opened for hundreds of years. Hours go by and nobody sees the old abbot.
So, the young monk gets worried and goes down to look for him. He sees him banging his head against the wall and wailing.
"We missed the R!
We missed the R!
We missed the R!"
His forehead is all bloody and bruised and he is crying uncontrollably. The young monk asks the old abbot, "What's wrong, father?" With A choking voice, the old abbot replies, "The word was.. CELEBRATE"
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The Prayer of Faith
FAITH:
In the last devotional, we have looked at faith—what true faith looks like, and the motive behind the faith that pleases God.
In James 5:15 we are told,
And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Clearly, James wants us to know that when we pray a prayer of faith, God will answer it. In this passage, we are told that through that prayer God will indeed heal those who are sick, and raise them up.
So what is it that makes up the prayer of faith? There are three components, all of which we have touched on in the last few days.
The prayer of faith is a prayer that:
1. Does not waver. It doesn’t vacillate, moving back and forth. It is anchored on the promise of God.
2. Is followed by corresponding actions.
3. Is prayed from right motives.
The example James cites of someone who prayed a prayer of faith is Elijah. I encourage you to read his story in 1 Kings 17. There you find that, through the prayer of faith, God shut up the heavens and there was no rain. And then, by another prayer of faith, the heavens were opened and rain came down.
Elijah expressed his faith when he said he heard the sound of abundance of rain. He made that statement before there was a cloud in the sky or before a drop of rain ever fell!
When you and I don’t waver in our faith, when we show our faith by corresponding action, and when we pray with right motives, God will act. As surely as Elijah heard that rain by faith, you can hear the rain…whatever that represents in your life. That is the prayer of faith.
by Bayless Conley
FRIENDS:
Father, Help me to live by faith and not by sight. I recognize that faith is not my wishful thinking but an inward conviction that You will always do what You promise regardless of my circumstances. Through faith, I declare my weakness and at the same time proclaim the absolute trustworthiness of Your ability and willingness to do what I cannot. Help me, Lord, not to have foolish confidence in myself, but always look to You in every part of my life. for You are always faithful and we can count on You. In Jesus' name, Amen
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE ~July~
3. Luke 7:36-50; Col 2:1-7; Psalms 126; 1 Chron 5-6
4. Luke 8:1-15; Col 2:8-15; Psalms 127; 1 Chron 7-9
5. Luke 8:16-25; Col 2;16-23; Psalms 128; 1 Chron 10-11
You are getting these extra days because I won't be posting over the weekend.
~ Colossians~
To qualify for welfare, you have to admit you're poor.
To quality for bandruptcy, you have to admit you are broke.
To be admitted to a hospital, you have to admit you're sick.
And to go to heaven, you have to admit you are hellbound.
We are willing to do the first three, but the fourth? That's a tough one. That's enough to trip up a fellow. not easy for a decent guy to admit he's a sinner. Hard for a pretty good girl to confess spiritual destitution.
Oh, it isn't at first. When we first meet Christ. When life is a mess and the future is bleak. When we don't have anything to lose because we've lost it all. It's not hard to admit it at first.
But then, by God's grace, things get better. Bill get paid. The dog comes home. The pantry gets full. The face we see in the morning mirror has a smile on it. And with time the person in the mirror grows a bit proud. A bit puffy. A bit, shall we say.......cocky?
We forget where we were. We forget what God gave. We gradually begin to think that god is lucky to have us on his side. We begin to see salvation not as a toss of the life preserver to the sinking but as a journey in a rowboat. God's grace handling one oar and our good deeds handling the other. It's not that Jesus isn't necessary, it just that Jesus isn't enough.
Slowly, deftly, we begin believing in the doctorine of salvation by Jesus plus. Jesus plus good deeds. Jesus plus the right doctrine. Jesus plus the right Bible translation. Jesus plus the right charitable activities.
Or in the case of the church in Colossae, Jesus plus the right religious feast, New Moon Festival, and Sabbath Day. To the Christians in Colossae, the right ritual was just as important as the right Savior.
Paul would have none of this. He denounced the philosophy as heretical and stated in no uncertain terms that if we are saved it is because God rescued us and not because we learned to swim. God is the verb and we are the noun. God does the saving and we do the receiving.
All we do is accept it. We might as well admit it.
FOOD:
Simple BBQ Ribs
How about a fool proof recipe for ribs for the 4th? Here is a great one!!!
2 1/2 pounds country style pork ribs
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons salt
1 cup barbecue sauce
Directions:
1.Place ribs in a large pot with enough water to cover. Season with garlic powder, black pepper and salt. Bring water to a boil, and cook ribs until tender.
2.Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
3.Remove ribs from pot, and place them in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour barbecue sauce over ribs. Cover dish with aluminum foil, and bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until internal temperature of pork has reached 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).
Additional note:
I have been boiling ribs and chicken like this for years and years. I always add a generous amount of garlic powder, ground pepper and 1 onion cut into wedges. My secret ingredient is to add a good amount of soy sauce 1/2-1 C approx. Boil for 45 mins-1 hour. Turn off heat, cover pan and let ribs marinate in the broth for several hours (I have let them sit for 4-5 hours). Great to put in the oven especially during the winter months, but best on the grill. If you want to make ahead put cooled ribs into plastic bag and add enough BBQ sauce to coat well. Refrigerate until ready to use and then cook with additional sauce. Try this with chicken--you will love it. Just reduce the boiling time.
FUN:
This is what the 4th of July looks like to some people who celebrate it....
This is what it looks like to those who make Independence Day possible......
Have a safe and Happy 4th and Thank someone serving in the military today......because without their sacrifice it wouldn't be so happy....
On a personal note.....Thanks to Jeffrey (grandson, serving currently) and Todd (son, who served 8 years) and John (son, who served 4 years) and Jack (brother, who served during WWII).....and
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!
we sure need it....
In the last devotional, we have looked at faith—what true faith looks like, and the motive behind the faith that pleases God.
In James 5:15 we are told,
And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Clearly, James wants us to know that when we pray a prayer of faith, God will answer it. In this passage, we are told that through that prayer God will indeed heal those who are sick, and raise them up.
So what is it that makes up the prayer of faith? There are three components, all of which we have touched on in the last few days.
The prayer of faith is a prayer that:
1. Does not waver. It doesn’t vacillate, moving back and forth. It is anchored on the promise of God.
2. Is followed by corresponding actions.
3. Is prayed from right motives.
The example James cites of someone who prayed a prayer of faith is Elijah. I encourage you to read his story in 1 Kings 17. There you find that, through the prayer of faith, God shut up the heavens and there was no rain. And then, by another prayer of faith, the heavens were opened and rain came down.
Elijah expressed his faith when he said he heard the sound of abundance of rain. He made that statement before there was a cloud in the sky or before a drop of rain ever fell!
When you and I don’t waver in our faith, when we show our faith by corresponding action, and when we pray with right motives, God will act. As surely as Elijah heard that rain by faith, you can hear the rain…whatever that represents in your life. That is the prayer of faith.
by Bayless Conley
FRIENDS:
Father, Help me to live by faith and not by sight. I recognize that faith is not my wishful thinking but an inward conviction that You will always do what You promise regardless of my circumstances. Through faith, I declare my weakness and at the same time proclaim the absolute trustworthiness of Your ability and willingness to do what I cannot. Help me, Lord, not to have foolish confidence in myself, but always look to You in every part of my life. for You are always faithful and we can count on You. In Jesus' name, Amen
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE ~July~
3. Luke 7:36-50; Col 2:1-7; Psalms 126; 1 Chron 5-6
4. Luke 8:1-15; Col 2:8-15; Psalms 127; 1 Chron 7-9
5. Luke 8:16-25; Col 2;16-23; Psalms 128; 1 Chron 10-11
You are getting these extra days because I won't be posting over the weekend.
~ Colossians~
To qualify for welfare, you have to admit you're poor.
To quality for bandruptcy, you have to admit you are broke.
To be admitted to a hospital, you have to admit you're sick.
And to go to heaven, you have to admit you are hellbound.
We are willing to do the first three, but the fourth? That's a tough one. That's enough to trip up a fellow. not easy for a decent guy to admit he's a sinner. Hard for a pretty good girl to confess spiritual destitution.
Oh, it isn't at first. When we first meet Christ. When life is a mess and the future is bleak. When we don't have anything to lose because we've lost it all. It's not hard to admit it at first.
But then, by God's grace, things get better. Bill get paid. The dog comes home. The pantry gets full. The face we see in the morning mirror has a smile on it. And with time the person in the mirror grows a bit proud. A bit puffy. A bit, shall we say.......cocky?
We forget where we were. We forget what God gave. We gradually begin to think that god is lucky to have us on his side. We begin to see salvation not as a toss of the life preserver to the sinking but as a journey in a rowboat. God's grace handling one oar and our good deeds handling the other. It's not that Jesus isn't necessary, it just that Jesus isn't enough.
Slowly, deftly, we begin believing in the doctorine of salvation by Jesus plus. Jesus plus good deeds. Jesus plus the right doctrine. Jesus plus the right Bible translation. Jesus plus the right charitable activities.
Or in the case of the church in Colossae, Jesus plus the right religious feast, New Moon Festival, and Sabbath Day. To the Christians in Colossae, the right ritual was just as important as the right Savior.
Paul would have none of this. He denounced the philosophy as heretical and stated in no uncertain terms that if we are saved it is because God rescued us and not because we learned to swim. God is the verb and we are the noun. God does the saving and we do the receiving.
All we do is accept it. We might as well admit it.
FOOD:
Simple BBQ Ribs
How about a fool proof recipe for ribs for the 4th? Here is a great one!!!
2 1/2 pounds country style pork ribs
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons salt
1 cup barbecue sauce
Directions:
1.Place ribs in a large pot with enough water to cover. Season with garlic powder, black pepper and salt. Bring water to a boil, and cook ribs until tender.
2.Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
3.Remove ribs from pot, and place them in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour barbecue sauce over ribs. Cover dish with aluminum foil, and bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until internal temperature of pork has reached 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).
Additional note:
I have been boiling ribs and chicken like this for years and years. I always add a generous amount of garlic powder, ground pepper and 1 onion cut into wedges. My secret ingredient is to add a good amount of soy sauce 1/2-1 C approx. Boil for 45 mins-1 hour. Turn off heat, cover pan and let ribs marinate in the broth for several hours (I have let them sit for 4-5 hours). Great to put in the oven especially during the winter months, but best on the grill. If you want to make ahead put cooled ribs into plastic bag and add enough BBQ sauce to coat well. Refrigerate until ready to use and then cook with additional sauce. Try this with chicken--you will love it. Just reduce the boiling time.
FUN:
This is what the 4th of July looks like to some people who celebrate it....
This is what it looks like to those who make Independence Day possible......
Have a safe and Happy 4th and Thank someone serving in the military today......because without their sacrifice it wouldn't be so happy....On a personal note.....Thanks to Jeffrey (grandson, serving currently) and Todd (son, who served 8 years) and John (son, who served 4 years) and Jack (brother, who served during WWII).....and
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!
we sure need it....
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
True Faith
FAITH:
James 2:14-20 tells us the substance of true faith,
What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
My favorite translation of this last verse is, “Faith without actions that correspond is dead.” Faith must have actions that correspond with it.
You can talk about catching fish, about what lures you are going to use, and how you are going to cook them after you catch them, but if you never throw a line in the water, you are not going to catch a fish.
Or it’s like the golfer who comes to a 3-par hole with a lake right in front of the green and says, “No problem, I can hit that green with my six iron.” Then he digs out an old ratty golf ball. If he truly believes he can hit the green, he will hit his brand new $3 golf ball!
For faith to be genuine, it has to have corresponding actions.
When speaking of faith, it is critical to talk about the motive of our faith. James 4:2-3 tells us what a wrong motive is,
You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
God is very concerned about the “why” behind our prayers of faith. He is very interested in the state of our hearts. And I think it is good to check our motives from time to time.
Why do we want what we want? Is it ego driven? Am I asking for it because I want to impress someone? Are my motives right?
Now, you don’t have to overdo it. You can over analyze things to the point that you become spiritually frozen and don’t do anything. I think if you will get honest and lay your heart out before God, He will very quickly put the spotlight on the things that should not be there.
Our dog always stands at the back door and scratches on the glass like he really loves us and wants to come in and be with us. But the moment you open the door he runs right by you into the kitchen looking for food.
Why do you want the thing you want? What is the purpose behind asking? Is it for the glory of God? Is it to help people? Is there a pure motive there?
When your motive is right, God will not be long in answering. But if your motive is not right, God won’t answer until it gets right. by Bayless Conley
FRIENDS:
Father, we will never learn faith in comfortable surroundings. You give us the promises with your word, then you step back and wait to see how much we believe them. When the tempter comes and all seems to contradict what you have spoken, it is then when faith wins it's crown. That is the time to look up through the storms and cry out to You, "I believe." Help us when we falter. In Jesus' name, Amen
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE ~July~
1. Luke 7:11-17; Colossians 1:1-14; Psalms 123-124; 1 Chronicles 1-2
2. Luke 7: 18-35; Colossians 1:15-29; Psalms 125; 1 Chronicles 3-4
~1 Chronicles ~
Ever been held up by a grandparent?
You naively ask how the grandkids are, and before you know it the purse opens and out pops a billfold, thick with pictures.
"This is Joey in the third grade holding his puppy named Snapper. And this is Joey in the fourth grade on his little league team where he played second base. And this is Joey in the fifth grade. The kid behind him is his cousin Terry who is living in Seattle with his dad. I've got some pictures of them I'll show you in just a minute. But first let me show you Joey in the seventh grade wearing his football uniform......"
Yawn.
Hard to stay interested hearing names of people you'll never see who live in places you'll never know.
Such is the case with the Book of First Chronicles. Full of names, many hard to pronounce. Full of places you'll never see. The book won't keep you on the edge of your seat. It wasn't intended to. It will, however provide you with a catalog of facts and names of people who matter to God.
Which reminds us of an encouraging truth: God keeps up with his children. He knows their names and keeps them in a book. What may be dry to us matters to him, beause they are his kids. by the way, he's working on a new volume. This one is entitled the Book of Life
Is your name in it?
FOOD:
It can be made with apples and pears in the winter and peaches and
blackberries in the summer. Make it in giant casserole pans and
individual ramekins. It's impossible to screw up. And while there are
people who claim you need a bottom crust, perhaps some cinnamon or
baking soda, I think simple is better. If your fruit is ripe, you can't go wrong.
Easy, Foolproof Cobbler for Any Fruit
makes enough for a 9x9 baking dish
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar, plus a bit more for sprinkling
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
fresh berries or fruit (peeled and cut into chunks) about 4 cups
Combine the flour and sugar. Add the butter, mixing as you go, until
the mixture forms a soft dough. It can be slightly crumbly, but you
want it to hold together when you squeeze it.
Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Put the fruit in the
dish — you will probably need about 4 cups of berries or chopped fruit.
You want to create a thick layer that comes about two inches up the sides.
If the fruit is particularly tart, sprinkle with a light layer of sugar. If the fruit is soft and sweet, you don't need it.
Take the dough by the handful and pat it into disks that are about
1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick. Lay them on top of the fruit, continuing
with the patties, until it is covered. Bake the cobbler at 350 degrees
for about 45-50 minutes, until the crust is light golden brown. Let
cool slightly, then serve with ice cream.
Note: In my family, we find cobbler is even better the next day, cold
and firm from the fridge.
FUN:
James 2:14-20 tells us the substance of true faith,
What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
My favorite translation of this last verse is, “Faith without actions that correspond is dead.” Faith must have actions that correspond with it.
You can talk about catching fish, about what lures you are going to use, and how you are going to cook them after you catch them, but if you never throw a line in the water, you are not going to catch a fish.
Or it’s like the golfer who comes to a 3-par hole with a lake right in front of the green and says, “No problem, I can hit that green with my six iron.” Then he digs out an old ratty golf ball. If he truly believes he can hit the green, he will hit his brand new $3 golf ball!
For faith to be genuine, it has to have corresponding actions.
When speaking of faith, it is critical to talk about the motive of our faith. James 4:2-3 tells us what a wrong motive is,
You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
God is very concerned about the “why” behind our prayers of faith. He is very interested in the state of our hearts. And I think it is good to check our motives from time to time.
Why do we want what we want? Is it ego driven? Am I asking for it because I want to impress someone? Are my motives right?
Now, you don’t have to overdo it. You can over analyze things to the point that you become spiritually frozen and don’t do anything. I think if you will get honest and lay your heart out before God, He will very quickly put the spotlight on the things that should not be there.
Our dog always stands at the back door and scratches on the glass like he really loves us and wants to come in and be with us. But the moment you open the door he runs right by you into the kitchen looking for food.
Why do you want the thing you want? What is the purpose behind asking? Is it for the glory of God? Is it to help people? Is there a pure motive there?
When your motive is right, God will not be long in answering. But if your motive is not right, God won’t answer until it gets right. by Bayless Conley
FRIENDS:
Father, we will never learn faith in comfortable surroundings. You give us the promises with your word, then you step back and wait to see how much we believe them. When the tempter comes and all seems to contradict what you have spoken, it is then when faith wins it's crown. That is the time to look up through the storms and cry out to You, "I believe." Help us when we falter. In Jesus' name, Amen
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE ~July~
1. Luke 7:11-17; Colossians 1:1-14; Psalms 123-124; 1 Chronicles 1-2
2. Luke 7: 18-35; Colossians 1:15-29; Psalms 125; 1 Chronicles 3-4
~1 Chronicles ~
Ever been held up by a grandparent?
You naively ask how the grandkids are, and before you know it the purse opens and out pops a billfold, thick with pictures.
"This is Joey in the third grade holding his puppy named Snapper. And this is Joey in the fourth grade on his little league team where he played second base. And this is Joey in the fifth grade. The kid behind him is his cousin Terry who is living in Seattle with his dad. I've got some pictures of them I'll show you in just a minute. But first let me show you Joey in the seventh grade wearing his football uniform......"
Yawn.
Hard to stay interested hearing names of people you'll never see who live in places you'll never know.
Such is the case with the Book of First Chronicles. Full of names, many hard to pronounce. Full of places you'll never see. The book won't keep you on the edge of your seat. It wasn't intended to. It will, however provide you with a catalog of facts and names of people who matter to God.
Which reminds us of an encouraging truth: God keeps up with his children. He knows their names and keeps them in a book. What may be dry to us matters to him, beause they are his kids. by the way, he's working on a new volume. This one is entitled the Book of Life
Is your name in it?
FOOD:
It can be made with apples and pears in the winter and peaches and
blackberries in the summer. Make it in giant casserole pans and
individual ramekins. It's impossible to screw up. And while there are
people who claim you need a bottom crust, perhaps some cinnamon or
baking soda, I think simple is better. If your fruit is ripe, you can't go wrong.
Easy, Foolproof Cobbler for Any Fruit
makes enough for a 9x9 baking dish
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar, plus a bit more for sprinkling
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
fresh berries or fruit (peeled and cut into chunks) about 4 cups
Combine the flour and sugar. Add the butter, mixing as you go, until
the mixture forms a soft dough. It can be slightly crumbly, but you
want it to hold together when you squeeze it.
Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Put the fruit in the
dish — you will probably need about 4 cups of berries or chopped fruit.
You want to create a thick layer that comes about two inches up the sides.
If the fruit is particularly tart, sprinkle with a light layer of sugar. If the fruit is soft and sweet, you don't need it.
Take the dough by the handful and pat it into disks that are about
1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick. Lay them on top of the fruit, continuing
with the patties, until it is covered. Bake the cobbler at 350 degrees
for about 45-50 minutes, until the crust is light golden brown. Let
cool slightly, then serve with ice cream.
Note: In my family, we find cobbler is even better the next day, cold
and firm from the fridge.
FUN:
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Overshadowing of God’s Personal Deliverance
FAITH:
. . . I am with you to deliver you,’ says the Lord —Jeremiah 1:8
God promised Jeremiah that He would deliver him personally— ".
18 For I will surely deliver you, and you shall not fall by the sword; but your life shall be as a prize to you, because you have put your trust in Me,” says the LORD.’” Jeremiah 39:18 NKJ
That is all God promises His children. Wherever God sends us, He will guard our lives. Our personal property and possessions are to be a matter of indifference to us, and our hold on these things should be very loose. If this is not the case, we will have panic, heartache, and distress. Having the proper outlook is evidence of the deeply rooted belief in the overshadowing of God’s personal deliverance.
The Sermon on the Mount indicates that when we are on a mission for Jesus Christ, there is no time to stand up for ourselves. Jesus says, in effect, "Don’t worry about whether or not you are being treated justly." Looking for justice is actually a sign that we have been diverted from our devotion to Him. Never look for justice in this world, but never cease to give it. If we look for justice, we will only begin to complain and to indulge ourselves in the discontent of self-pity, as if to say, "Why should I be treated like this?" If we are devoted to Jesus Christ, we have nothing to do with what we encounter, whether it is just or unjust. In essence, Jesus says, "Continue steadily on with what I have told you to do, and I will guard your life. If you try to guard it yourself, you remove yourself from My deliverance." Even the most devout among us become atheistic in this regard— we do not believe Him. We put our common sense on the throne and then attach God’s name to it. We do lean to our own understanding, instead of trusting God with all our hearts. by Oswald Chambers
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
(or will direct your paths)
FRIENDS:
Father, Thank you for the life you have given me. When I rise in the morning, I worship the Lord and you call me by name. I think back to the way I was and how you accepted this prodigal child without hesitation. For all these reasons and so many more, I give you thanks. I offer up my life to you and your service. I can think of no greater way to live than to consider each day a holy living sacrifice to you. May your will be done through all of my days. In Jesus' name, Amen.
10 Things To Be Thankful For
1. A cool breeze after a hot day
2. A call from an old friend that you lost contact with
3. Fresh picked flowers
4. A picnic lunch
5. Children splashing around in the water
6. Being able to sleep in
7. The creation of a special moment
8. When you are expecting the worst and it does not happen
9. Fresh corn on the cob
10. Enjoying a glass of iced tea in the shade
FOOD:
This is soooooo good!!!!!
Sausage Chowder
1 lb. smoked sausage (halve lengthwise and slice thinly)
1 (32 oz) pkg. frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
5 c. water
2 tsp. dry parsley
1 tsp. dry basil
1 tsp. salt and dash of pepper
1 (15.25 oz.) whole kernel corn (do not drain)
1 (15 oz.) creamed corn
1 (12 oz) evaporated milk
2 tsp. granulated chicken bouillon ( I use 2 cubes)
Brown sausage in dutch oven. Add hash browns, water, and spices. Cook until potatoes are tender. (once it boils, I cook it about 15 minutes). Mash them a little, but leave some cubes.
Add the corns, milk, and bouillon. Cook another 10 minutes to blend flavors. Stir often now, because it will stick. Taste, and add more seasoning if needed.
FUN:
A couple is in bed sleeping when there's a rat-a-tat-tat on the door.
The husband rolls over and looks at the clock, and it's half past 3 in the morning.” I’m not getting out of bed at this time," he thinks, and rolls over. Then, a louder knock follows. So he drags himself out of bed, goes downstairs, opens the door, and there's a man standing there. It didn't take the homeowner long to realize the man was drunk.
"Hi there," slurs the stranger, "Can you give me a push?" "No, get lost. It's half past three and I was in bed," says the man as he slams the door. He goes back up to bed and tell his wife what happened and she says, "That wasn't very nice of you. Remember that night we broke down in the pouring rain on the way to pick the Family up from the baby-sitter and you had to knock on that man's house to get us started again? What would have happened if he'd told us to get lost?"
"But the guy was drunk," says the husband.
"It doesn't matter," says the wife.” He needs our help and it would be the Christian thing to help him." So the husband gets out of bed again, gets dressed, and goes downstairs.
He opens the door, and not being able to see the stranger anywhere,
He shouts, "Hey, do you still want a push?"
And he hears a voice cry out, "Yeah, please."
So, still being unable to see the stranger he shouts, "Where are you?" The drunk replies, "Over here, on the swing."
. . . I am with you to deliver you,’ says the Lord —Jeremiah 1:8
God promised Jeremiah that He would deliver him personally— ".
18 For I will surely deliver you, and you shall not fall by the sword; but your life shall be as a prize to you, because you have put your trust in Me,” says the LORD.’” Jeremiah 39:18 NKJ
That is all God promises His children. Wherever God sends us, He will guard our lives. Our personal property and possessions are to be a matter of indifference to us, and our hold on these things should be very loose. If this is not the case, we will have panic, heartache, and distress. Having the proper outlook is evidence of the deeply rooted belief in the overshadowing of God’s personal deliverance.
The Sermon on the Mount indicates that when we are on a mission for Jesus Christ, there is no time to stand up for ourselves. Jesus says, in effect, "Don’t worry about whether or not you are being treated justly." Looking for justice is actually a sign that we have been diverted from our devotion to Him. Never look for justice in this world, but never cease to give it. If we look for justice, we will only begin to complain and to indulge ourselves in the discontent of self-pity, as if to say, "Why should I be treated like this?" If we are devoted to Jesus Christ, we have nothing to do with what we encounter, whether it is just or unjust. In essence, Jesus says, "Continue steadily on with what I have told you to do, and I will guard your life. If you try to guard it yourself, you remove yourself from My deliverance." Even the most devout among us become atheistic in this regard— we do not believe Him. We put our common sense on the throne and then attach God’s name to it. We do lean to our own understanding, instead of trusting God with all our hearts. by Oswald Chambers
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
(or will direct your paths)
FRIENDS:
Father, Thank you for the life you have given me. When I rise in the morning, I worship the Lord and you call me by name. I think back to the way I was and how you accepted this prodigal child without hesitation. For all these reasons and so many more, I give you thanks. I offer up my life to you and your service. I can think of no greater way to live than to consider each day a holy living sacrifice to you. May your will be done through all of my days. In Jesus' name, Amen.
10 Things To Be Thankful For
1. A cool breeze after a hot day
2. A call from an old friend that you lost contact with
3. Fresh picked flowers
4. A picnic lunch
5. Children splashing around in the water
6. Being able to sleep in
7. The creation of a special moment
8. When you are expecting the worst and it does not happen
9. Fresh corn on the cob
10. Enjoying a glass of iced tea in the shade
FOOD:
This is soooooo good!!!!!
Sausage Chowder
1 lb. smoked sausage (halve lengthwise and slice thinly)
1 (32 oz) pkg. frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
5 c. water
2 tsp. dry parsley
1 tsp. dry basil
1 tsp. salt and dash of pepper
1 (15.25 oz.) whole kernel corn (do not drain)
1 (15 oz.) creamed corn
1 (12 oz) evaporated milk
2 tsp. granulated chicken bouillon ( I use 2 cubes)
Brown sausage in dutch oven. Add hash browns, water, and spices. Cook until potatoes are tender. (once it boils, I cook it about 15 minutes). Mash them a little, but leave some cubes.
Add the corns, milk, and bouillon. Cook another 10 minutes to blend flavors. Stir often now, because it will stick. Taste, and add more seasoning if needed.
FUN:
A couple is in bed sleeping when there's a rat-a-tat-tat on the door.
The husband rolls over and looks at the clock, and it's half past 3 in the morning.” I’m not getting out of bed at this time," he thinks, and rolls over. Then, a louder knock follows. So he drags himself out of bed, goes downstairs, opens the door, and there's a man standing there. It didn't take the homeowner long to realize the man was drunk.
"Hi there," slurs the stranger, "Can you give me a push?" "No, get lost. It's half past three and I was in bed," says the man as he slams the door. He goes back up to bed and tell his wife what happened and she says, "That wasn't very nice of you. Remember that night we broke down in the pouring rain on the way to pick the Family up from the baby-sitter and you had to knock on that man's house to get us started again? What would have happened if he'd told us to get lost?"
"But the guy was drunk," says the husband.
"It doesn't matter," says the wife.” He needs our help and it would be the Christian thing to help him." So the husband gets out of bed again, gets dressed, and goes downstairs.
He opens the door, and not being able to see the stranger anywhere,
He shouts, "Hey, do you still want a push?"
And he hears a voice cry out, "Yeah, please."
So, still being unable to see the stranger he shouts, "Where are you?" The drunk replies, "Over here, on the swing."
Friday, June 26, 2009
Is is about you or Him?
FAITH:
The request came when I was twenty. "Can you address our church youth group?" We aren't talking citywide crusade here. Think more in terms of a dozen kids around a West Texas campfire. I was new to the faith, hence new to the power of the faith. I told my story, and, lo and behold, they listened! One even approached me afterward and said something like, "That moved me, Max." My chest lifted, and my feet shifted just a step in the direction of the spotlight.
God has been nudging me back ever since.
Some of you don't relate. The limelight never woos you. You and John the Baptist sing the same tune: "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less" (John 3:30 NLT). God bless you. You might pray for the rest of us. We applause-aholics have done it all: dropped names, sung loudly, dressed up to look classy, dressed down to look cool, quoted authors we've never read, spouted Greek we've never studied. For the life of me, I believe Satan trains battalions of demons to whisper one question in our ears: "What are people thinking of you?"
A deadly query. What they think of us matters not. What they think of God matters all. God will not share his glory with another (Isaiah 42:8). Next time you need a nudge away from the spotlight, remember: You are simply one link in a chain, an unimportant link at that.
Remember the other messengers God has used?
A donkey to speak to Balaam (Numbers 22:28).
A staff-turned-snake to stir Pharaoh (Exodus 7:10).
He used stubborn oxen to make a point about reverence and a big fish to make a point about reluctant preachers (I Samuel 6:1-12; Jonah 1:1-17)
God doesn't need you and me to do his work. We are expedient messengers, ambassadors by his kindness, not by our cleverness.
It's not about us, and it angers him when we think it is.
We who are entrusted with the gospel dare not seek applause but best deflect applause. For our message is about Someone else. by Max Lucado
FRIENDS:
Father, May Your name forever be praised. I have chosen to live for You and to serve You each day of my life. Help me to cling to what is pleasing in Your sight and give me the wisdom to glorify you today and every day.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
10 Things To Be Thankful For
1. Making a child laugh
2. Nurturing creativity in someone
3. Laying on your back and watching the clouds
4. Finding an arrowhead
5. Lingering over coffee with a friend
6. Someone who never dramatizes a difficulty
7. Having someone to come home to
8. Getting rid of a bad habit
9. When someone teaches you something good
10. Learning to love yourself better
FOOD:
Lemon Cake Rice Krispy Cookies
1 box lemon cake mix (type with pudding in the mix works ok)
1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
1 stick butter or margarine, melted
1 egg, beaten
Heat oven to 350ยบ.
Mix ingredients well and shape into 1-inch balls. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet 10-12 minutes. Cookies will be chewy.
FUN:
TRY THIS: MICROSOFT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.sellsbrothers.com/fun/msiview/default.aspx?content=question.htm
The request came when I was twenty. "Can you address our church youth group?" We aren't talking citywide crusade here. Think more in terms of a dozen kids around a West Texas campfire. I was new to the faith, hence new to the power of the faith. I told my story, and, lo and behold, they listened! One even approached me afterward and said something like, "That moved me, Max." My chest lifted, and my feet shifted just a step in the direction of the spotlight.
God has been nudging me back ever since.
Some of you don't relate. The limelight never woos you. You and John the Baptist sing the same tune: "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less" (John 3:30 NLT). God bless you. You might pray for the rest of us. We applause-aholics have done it all: dropped names, sung loudly, dressed up to look classy, dressed down to look cool, quoted authors we've never read, spouted Greek we've never studied. For the life of me, I believe Satan trains battalions of demons to whisper one question in our ears: "What are people thinking of you?"
A deadly query. What they think of us matters not. What they think of God matters all. God will not share his glory with another (Isaiah 42:8). Next time you need a nudge away from the spotlight, remember: You are simply one link in a chain, an unimportant link at that.
Remember the other messengers God has used?
A donkey to speak to Balaam (Numbers 22:28).
A staff-turned-snake to stir Pharaoh (Exodus 7:10).
He used stubborn oxen to make a point about reverence and a big fish to make a point about reluctant preachers (I Samuel 6:1-12; Jonah 1:1-17)
God doesn't need you and me to do his work. We are expedient messengers, ambassadors by his kindness, not by our cleverness.
It's not about us, and it angers him when we think it is.
We who are entrusted with the gospel dare not seek applause but best deflect applause. For our message is about Someone else. by Max Lucado
FRIENDS:
Father, May Your name forever be praised. I have chosen to live for You and to serve You each day of my life. Help me to cling to what is pleasing in Your sight and give me the wisdom to glorify you today and every day.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
10 Things To Be Thankful For
1. Making a child laugh
2. Nurturing creativity in someone
3. Laying on your back and watching the clouds
4. Finding an arrowhead
5. Lingering over coffee with a friend
6. Someone who never dramatizes a difficulty
7. Having someone to come home to
8. Getting rid of a bad habit
9. When someone teaches you something good
10. Learning to love yourself better
FOOD:
Lemon Cake Rice Krispy Cookies
1 box lemon cake mix (type with pudding in the mix works ok)
1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
1 stick butter or margarine, melted
1 egg, beaten
Heat oven to 350ยบ.
Mix ingredients well and shape into 1-inch balls. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet 10-12 minutes. Cookies will be chewy.
FUN:
TRY THIS: MICROSOFT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
http://www.sellsbrothers.com/fun/msiview/default.aspx?content=question.htm
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Do you still love Him
FAITH:
Mark 3:1-35
Mark affirmed the spiritual authority and power present in Jesus' ministry. Jesus properly interpreted the Mosaic Law. His power was greater than evil spirits. This passage also revealed Jesus' ministry to call his spiritual brothers and sisters to do the will of God.
Jesus demonstrated remarkable patience. Through many questioned his authority, he patiently refuted them. When his immediate family thought that Jesus was a lunatic, he expanded the concept of his family to include the kinship of people who love God.
Can you still remember? Are you still in love with Him?...Remember Jesus. Before you remember anything, remember Him. If you forget anything, don't forget Him.
Oh, but how quickly we forget. So much happens through the years. So many changes within. So many alterations without. And, somewhere, back there, we leave Him. We don't turn away from Him..........we just don't take Him with us. Assignments come. Promotions come. Budgets are made. Kids are born, and the Christ......the Christ is forgotten.
Has it been a while since you stared at the heavens in speechless amazement? Has it been a while since you realized God's divinity and your carnality?
If it has, then you need to know something. Hi is still there. He hasn't left. Under all those papers and books and reports and years. In the midst of all those voices and faces and memories and pictures, He is still there.
by Max Lucado
Applying it: Have you forgotten Jesus? Has your love for him slipped through time? Let Christ renew your love and let it flow freely again, as it once did.
Exploring it: Spiritual Family--Isaiah 63:16; John 1:12; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 2:19; Hebrews 2:11
FRIENDS:
Father, You have given Jesus as a sacrifice for my sin. Today I bow my knees in thanksgiving for that love. May you forever dwell in my heart with your everlasting love. Fill me with the power of your presence through the Holy Spirit and guide my steps each day to make a difference in life for your Glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
10 Things To Be Thankful For
1. The little things in life that really make your day go right
2. Life after 60
3. Breakfast cooked over an outdoor fire
4. The sound of an oar dipping in the water
5. Thinking happy summer thoughts
6. A clean windshield on a dark night
7. Looking at the past through genealogy
8. Finding the answer to a problem
9. A new recipe that turns out well
10. Inner tubing down a river
FOOD:
Chickpea Burgers and Tahini Sauce
* Serves: 4
1 (19 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed
4 scallions, trimmed and sliced
1 egg
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 (6 1/2-inch) whole-wheat pitas, halved and warmed, if desired
1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
2 tablespoons tahini
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
1. To prepare burgers: Place chickpeas, scallions, egg, flour, oregano,
cumin and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor. Pulse, stopping once or
twice to scrape down the sides, until a coarse mixture forms that holds
together when pressed. (The mixture will be moist.) Form into 4 patties.
2. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add
patties and cook until golden and beginning to crisp, 4 to 5 minutes.
Carefully flip and cook until golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes more.
3. To prepare sauce and serve: Meanwhile, combine yogurt, tahini, lemon
juice, parsley and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Divide the patties
among the pitas and serve with the sauce.
Nutrition Info Per Serving
* Calories: 414 kcal
* Carbohydrates: 56 g
* Dietary Fiber: 9 g
* Fat: 15 g
* Protein: 15 g
* Sugars: 8 g
FUN:
For those who love to craft, a very cute idea:
http://henriettashandbags.com/magazine_purse.html
Mark 3:1-35
Mark affirmed the spiritual authority and power present in Jesus' ministry. Jesus properly interpreted the Mosaic Law. His power was greater than evil spirits. This passage also revealed Jesus' ministry to call his spiritual brothers and sisters to do the will of God.
Jesus demonstrated remarkable patience. Through many questioned his authority, he patiently refuted them. When his immediate family thought that Jesus was a lunatic, he expanded the concept of his family to include the kinship of people who love God.
Can you still remember? Are you still in love with Him?...Remember Jesus. Before you remember anything, remember Him. If you forget anything, don't forget Him.
Oh, but how quickly we forget. So much happens through the years. So many changes within. So many alterations without. And, somewhere, back there, we leave Him. We don't turn away from Him..........we just don't take Him with us. Assignments come. Promotions come. Budgets are made. Kids are born, and the Christ......the Christ is forgotten.
Has it been a while since you stared at the heavens in speechless amazement? Has it been a while since you realized God's divinity and your carnality?
If it has, then you need to know something. Hi is still there. He hasn't left. Under all those papers and books and reports and years. In the midst of all those voices and faces and memories and pictures, He is still there.
by Max Lucado
Applying it: Have you forgotten Jesus? Has your love for him slipped through time? Let Christ renew your love and let it flow freely again, as it once did.
Exploring it: Spiritual Family--Isaiah 63:16; John 1:12; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 2:19; Hebrews 2:11
FRIENDS:
Father, You have given Jesus as a sacrifice for my sin. Today I bow my knees in thanksgiving for that love. May you forever dwell in my heart with your everlasting love. Fill me with the power of your presence through the Holy Spirit and guide my steps each day to make a difference in life for your Glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
10 Things To Be Thankful For
1. The little things in life that really make your day go right
2. Life after 60
3. Breakfast cooked over an outdoor fire
4. The sound of an oar dipping in the water
5. Thinking happy summer thoughts
6. A clean windshield on a dark night
7. Looking at the past through genealogy
8. Finding the answer to a problem
9. A new recipe that turns out well
10. Inner tubing down a river
FOOD:
Chickpea Burgers and Tahini Sauce
* Serves: 4
1 (19 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed
4 scallions, trimmed and sliced
1 egg
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 (6 1/2-inch) whole-wheat pitas, halved and warmed, if desired
1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
2 tablespoons tahini
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
1. To prepare burgers: Place chickpeas, scallions, egg, flour, oregano,
cumin and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor. Pulse, stopping once or
twice to scrape down the sides, until a coarse mixture forms that holds
together when pressed. (The mixture will be moist.) Form into 4 patties.
2. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add
patties and cook until golden and beginning to crisp, 4 to 5 minutes.
Carefully flip and cook until golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes more.
3. To prepare sauce and serve: Meanwhile, combine yogurt, tahini, lemon
juice, parsley and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Divide the patties
among the pitas and serve with the sauce.
Nutrition Info Per Serving
* Calories: 414 kcal
* Carbohydrates: 56 g
* Dietary Fiber: 9 g
* Fat: 15 g
* Protein: 15 g
* Sugars: 8 g
FUN:
For those who love to craft, a very cute idea:
http://henriettashandbags.com/magazine_purse.html
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About Me
- P-Dot
- Over the years of yo-yo dieting, Pills, and over eating I have ruined my metabolism. Here is how I am chosing to heal myself.
