FAITH:
Revelation 8:1-9:21
John had a vision of a supernatural battle waged between God's and Satan's forces. Although God disciplined his own people, they refused to repent.
Sin comes subtly into a person's life. Before we know it, it takes control and alienates us from God. We must repent and turn to God in faith.
John was also a prophet. The prophets often held out hope for the present---hope that God's judgment could be delayed if people would repent and turn to God in faith and obedience. That does not mean that the prophets offered an easy way out of all difficulties, as if somehow all problems would vanish if people would just profess their faith in God. Instead, like Winston Churchill standing amidst the bombed ruins of London, the prophets offered "blood, sweat, and tears" for those who would follow god. It would not be easy to serve god and fight against the evil of this present, dark and sinful world, and yet the prophets knew that God wold be victorious in the end and His people would share in that victory.
So John was a prophet, calling his generation---and ours---to repentance and faith and action. He knew that we could never build the kingdom of God on earth, no matter how hard we might try. Only God can do that---and someday he will, when Christ comes again. but John also knew that God's judgment on the world could be delayed if we would repent and turn to Christ.
To some, John's message of the future may have sounded gloomy and depressing. John knew, however, that the worst thing he could do would be to assure people that everything was all right and that there was no need to be concerned about the evil in the world or God's judgment. But John's message is ultimately a message of the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. by Billy Graham
Applying it: What is the really good news in your life right now? Tell someone about it today. What sin needs to be confessed? Pray, telling God you are sorry and resist the temptation to give in to it again.
Exploring it: Repentance-Deuteronomy 31:27-29; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Nehemiah 9:28-31; Isaiah 30:15; Luke 13:3; John 12:10-11; 2 Peter 3:9
FRIENDS:
Dear Father, thank you for our lives, thank you for sending Jesus to show us how to do life right. We praise you in all things. Help us to view life from Your perspective and not get mired and bogged down in our past failures. Thank you for giving us an abundant life that we can live here on earth and eternally in Heaven. In His Name, Amen.
FOOD:
Emptying the Cupboard Cookies
Devised by the author of a popular Internet blog, London Foodie In New York, these cookies have great flexibility. Let's say that all you have in your pantry are walnuts. You have no almonds, coconut, hazelnuts or peanuts. Just make up the difference with the walnuts. You can also exchange the dried fruits, or drop the seeds altogether. Similarly, if you don't have whole-wheat flour, then just use plain flour.
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
2/3 cup flour
1/3 cup whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/3 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons flaxseed
1 cup flaked almonds
3/4 cup peanuts
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
chocolate, melted for dipping (after cooking), optional
Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, mix together all of the dry ingredients and set aside. In a larger bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy and fluffy. Beat in the eggs gradually until fully combined, and then beat in the peanut butter. Fold in the dry ingredients until fully combined. Form into ping-pong sized balls and place about 1 inch apart on non-stick cookie sheets. Press down lightly to flatten and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool. Then, dip half in the melted chocolate, if preferred. Yield: 36 to 40 cookies.
Cookie Balls
1 pound chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 pound vanilla-flavored candy coating, melted
In a large mixing bowl, combine crushed cookies and cream cheese to form stiff dough. Roll into balls and dip with a fork in melted candy coating. Let rest on waxed paper until set. Yield: 36 cookies.
Cake Mix Cookies
1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 F. In a medium bowl, stir together the cake mix, butter and eggs until smooth and well blended. Mix in the chocolate chips. Drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Yield: 24 cookies.
FUN:
(for all the Washington State readers...)
If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you live in Washington.
If you've worn shorts, sandals and a parka at the same time, you live in Washington .
If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed the wrong number, you live in Washington .
If you measure distance in hours, you live in Washington .
If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you live in Washington.
If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' and back again in the same day, you live in Washington
If you install security lights on your house and garage but leave both doors unlocked, you live in Washington
If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in Central, Southern or Eastern Washington.
If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a 2 layers of clothes or under a raincoat, you live in Washington.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
One Good Reason
Most of the contents of today's blog are from readers who wanted to share something with all of you. Thanks so much for sending these things to me.
FAITH:
"Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It's the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts." James 3:13 (MSG)
It all started with a girl named Debbie.
Debbie was about 18 when she attended my family's local church. I was 8 and entering an awkward stage. She was brunette and beautiful. All the boys wanted to date her, and all the girls wanted to be her. I just wanted her hair.
Debbie successfully got her hair to form glorious, sweeping cowlicks in the front, with perfection matched only by 70's singers on album covers. I admired it from afar, coveting its style. I bugged my mom so bad about wanting it, she finally decided to pick up the phone and ask Debbie how she did it. Seems a little Aqua Net and the blast of a hairdryer did the trick. At least for Debbie.
You may be interested to know that I never did achieve the style of my hair-icon Debbie. Apparently Debbie did not have fine hair such as mine. But boy did she give me a good reason to spray, tease and blow-dry my little heart out trying. She wore her hair so beautifully that I believed I would look just as beautiful if I had her style.
This silly childhood example reminds me of the very real influence we have on each other. Even as adults we see another woman's fashion style and we try to copy it. We watch another woman's success, and we try to match it. We want what others have...try to be what others are...and believe that we will be more and live better if we can only become like someone else.
The truth is, even though I want to be a trend setter, an individualist, a unique woman with a mind of my own, I have to admit I am just as impressionable as the next person. Let's face it, no matter our age, we influence and are influenced by each other.
As ironic as this may sound, the thought of how impressionable we are gives me great hope as to how we can help other women find Jesus. I Corinthians 11:1 talks about the type of influence we can have on one another -- a way of living that comes from within and attracts those around us to want what we have. "Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ," speaks directly to this type of Godly influence.
It's about wearing Christ with the authentic beauty of a heart that's been changed, giving other women a reason to want what we have. To look like we look. To live like we live. To be what we are. Make no mistake, our hurting girlfriends are looking for one good reason to change their lives. The reality is that our lives may be the only reason they find to seek out something different than what they have known. It's a beautiful, important responsibility.
May we always remember that our mission in life is not one of perfect hair or worldly achievement, but of living and breathing the message of Jesus Christ by our words, our actions, and most importantly, our life. May we embrace the privilege of imitating Christ, so that our girlfriends and others we have influence over will see something in us that they want desperately to have. May we wear Him well so His beauty is fully and completely represented. For the influence we have through Him will last much longer than a fashion fad...a social trend...or even, a coveted hairstyle like Debbie's.
Let's have what they want, and show them how to get it. by Lisa Whittle
FRIENDS:
Jesus, You are the reason to love, to live and to breathe. You alone make the journey possible. May we remember that we represent You always, and help us understand how to do that in such a way that it will lead others to a saving relationship with You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
10 Things To Be Thankful For
1. Reaching a compromise
2. Someone wronged but still cares about the offender
3. Coming up with a good plan with someone
4. Doing something every year so it becomes traditional
5. Songs that make you weep
6. When someone understands there's a lot to you
7. A small boy running into his mother's hug
8. Joy in the righteousness of God
9. When you have thrown caution to the wind and it turns out right in spite of you
10. Learning to peacefully bide your time.
FOOD:
Fall and pumpkins are not too far away so here is the first in an onslaught to pumpkin recipes.
Easy Pumpkin Muffins
Not only is this recipe easy it is also pretty healthy. I have even made it by substituting the oil with more apple sauce. You can even cut back on the sugar and they are still tasty!
1 1/2c sugar
1/2 c oil
1/2 c applesauce
3 eggs
1 can15oz pumpkin (try sweet potatoes too!)
1 1/2 c flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon (or substitute ginger and cloves)
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
Beat all of the ingredients together well (5 min) Pour into cupcake pans (fill more than 1/2 full) Bake at 400F for 15-20 minutes.
FUN:
Mensa is an organization whose members have an IQ of 140 or higher.
A few years ago, there was a Mensa convention in San Francisco, and several members lunched at a local cafe. While dining, they discovered that their saltshaker contained pepper and their pepper shaker was full of salt. How could they swap the contents of the bottles without spilling, and using only the implements at hand?
Clearly this was a job for Mensa! The group debated and presented ideas, and finally came up with a brilliant solution involving a napkin, a straw, and an empty saucer. They called the waitress over to dazzle her with their solution.
"Ma'am," they said, "we couldn't help but notice that the pepper shaker contains salt and the salt shaker..."
"Oh," the waitress interrupted. "Sorry about that." She unscrewed the caps of both bottles and switched them.
FAITH:
"Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It's the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts." James 3:13 (MSG)
It all started with a girl named Debbie.
Debbie was about 18 when she attended my family's local church. I was 8 and entering an awkward stage. She was brunette and beautiful. All the boys wanted to date her, and all the girls wanted to be her. I just wanted her hair.
Debbie successfully got her hair to form glorious, sweeping cowlicks in the front, with perfection matched only by 70's singers on album covers. I admired it from afar, coveting its style. I bugged my mom so bad about wanting it, she finally decided to pick up the phone and ask Debbie how she did it. Seems a little Aqua Net and the blast of a hairdryer did the trick. At least for Debbie.
You may be interested to know that I never did achieve the style of my hair-icon Debbie. Apparently Debbie did not have fine hair such as mine. But boy did she give me a good reason to spray, tease and blow-dry my little heart out trying. She wore her hair so beautifully that I believed I would look just as beautiful if I had her style.
This silly childhood example reminds me of the very real influence we have on each other. Even as adults we see another woman's fashion style and we try to copy it. We watch another woman's success, and we try to match it. We want what others have...try to be what others are...and believe that we will be more and live better if we can only become like someone else.
The truth is, even though I want to be a trend setter, an individualist, a unique woman with a mind of my own, I have to admit I am just as impressionable as the next person. Let's face it, no matter our age, we influence and are influenced by each other.
As ironic as this may sound, the thought of how impressionable we are gives me great hope as to how we can help other women find Jesus. I Corinthians 11:1 talks about the type of influence we can have on one another -- a way of living that comes from within and attracts those around us to want what we have. "Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ," speaks directly to this type of Godly influence.
It's about wearing Christ with the authentic beauty of a heart that's been changed, giving other women a reason to want what we have. To look like we look. To live like we live. To be what we are. Make no mistake, our hurting girlfriends are looking for one good reason to change their lives. The reality is that our lives may be the only reason they find to seek out something different than what they have known. It's a beautiful, important responsibility.
May we always remember that our mission in life is not one of perfect hair or worldly achievement, but of living and breathing the message of Jesus Christ by our words, our actions, and most importantly, our life. May we embrace the privilege of imitating Christ, so that our girlfriends and others we have influence over will see something in us that they want desperately to have. May we wear Him well so His beauty is fully and completely represented. For the influence we have through Him will last much longer than a fashion fad...a social trend...or even, a coveted hairstyle like Debbie's.
Let's have what they want, and show them how to get it. by Lisa Whittle
FRIENDS:
Jesus, You are the reason to love, to live and to breathe. You alone make the journey possible. May we remember that we represent You always, and help us understand how to do that in such a way that it will lead others to a saving relationship with You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
10 Things To Be Thankful For
1. Reaching a compromise
2. Someone wronged but still cares about the offender
3. Coming up with a good plan with someone
4. Doing something every year so it becomes traditional
5. Songs that make you weep
6. When someone understands there's a lot to you
7. A small boy running into his mother's hug
8. Joy in the righteousness of God
9. When you have thrown caution to the wind and it turns out right in spite of you
10. Learning to peacefully bide your time.
FOOD:
Fall and pumpkins are not too far away so here is the first in an onslaught to pumpkin recipes.
Easy Pumpkin Muffins
Not only is this recipe easy it is also pretty healthy. I have even made it by substituting the oil with more apple sauce. You can even cut back on the sugar and they are still tasty!
1 1/2c sugar
1/2 c oil
1/2 c applesauce
3 eggs
1 can15oz pumpkin (try sweet potatoes too!)
1 1/2 c flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon (or substitute ginger and cloves)
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
Beat all of the ingredients together well (5 min) Pour into cupcake pans (fill more than 1/2 full) Bake at 400F for 15-20 minutes.
FUN:
Mensa is an organization whose members have an IQ of 140 or higher.
A few years ago, there was a Mensa convention in San Francisco, and several members lunched at a local cafe. While dining, they discovered that their saltshaker contained pepper and their pepper shaker was full of salt. How could they swap the contents of the bottles without spilling, and using only the implements at hand?
Clearly this was a job for Mensa! The group debated and presented ideas, and finally came up with a brilliant solution involving a napkin, a straw, and an empty saucer. They called the waitress over to dazzle her with their solution.
"Ma'am," they said, "we couldn't help but notice that the pepper shaker contains salt and the salt shaker..."
"Oh," the waitress interrupted. "Sorry about that." She unscrewed the caps of both bottles and switched them.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
In Difficult Times
FAITH:
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
“Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
These are two great passages, but do they work in the downpours of the storms of life? Can you really apply them to your daily walk with Christ? In the middle of despair or desperation, they seem Utopian.
In times of troubles, my questions to God come fast and furious. Like Lieutenant Dan in the movie "Forest Gump," I shout and cry out to God when the storms hit. "What are You doing to me, God? Why me? Come on God, I really don't need a pop quiz on life right now. Where are You, God? Are You real? Do You care?"
I am shouting out so much and feeling so sorry for myself, that God is silent. Even if God tried to speak to me, I would not listen. When we are in the midst of difficult circumstances, we need to move from focusing on ourselves, toward focusing on God and His word, so His work can begin in a powerful way.
What has made the above passages become real to me in difficult circumstances? It's really simple. I have done what the passages told not to worry. I thanked God for what I was going through. It was the most difficult prayer I have ever prayed. I thanked Him for all my problems, praying continually. The faith came back more quickly, and is stronger than ever. Along with faith came joy.
Unfortunately, some people misunderstand this. They believe God wants us to pretend all is well, when it is not. But God does not want us to deny reality; He wants to help us discover what is redemptive in it.
The Psalmist faces reality:
"My soul thirsts for You; my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water." (Psalms. 63:1a)
But only three verses later, he is praising God:
“So I will bless You as long as I live." (Psalms. 63:4b)
What are some hard prayers that you need to pray today? Do you need to thank God for an illness, a family member who is troubled, or financial difficulties? Thank God for that friend, spouse or family member who has wronged you in the past, or for the disappointment of not being promoted at work. Thank God for caring so much for you that He places tests along the way, to mold you into all that He wants you to become.
My joy is back, but there are more storms out there. They will come toward me, and they will come to you. We need to be ready for them.
FRIENDS:
Father, I am so grateful to have a God like You. It is a blessing to be able to pour my heart out to You at anytime. It is great to have a patient and loving God Who understands my frustrations when life is not going like I want it to. You understand, because You know the end from the beginning. Thank You for _____. Please open my eyes and heart to see what You are teaching me. I thank You especially for our Savior and Your Son, Christ. In His name. Amen.
~HEBREWS~
The best just got better---it's a favorite slogan with advertisers.
It's not that our previous product was poor. It just that the current one is superior.
The Book of Hebrews might well use the same slogan. The best just got better.
There was nothing inferior abut the Jewish religion. It was given by God and designed by God. Every principle, rule and ritual had a wealth of meaning. The Old Testament served as a faithful guide for thousands of people over thousands of years. It was the best offered to man.
But when Christ came, the best got better.
Hebrews was written for Jewish believers who were torn between their new faith and their old ways. The temptation was to slip back into familiar routines and rituals, settling for second best.
The author skillfully makes a case against such a digression. He argues that Jesus is better than every form of the old faith---better than the angels (1:4-2:18), better than their leaders (3:1-4:13), and better than their priests (4:14-7:28). when it comes to comparing the two, there is simply no comparison. Christianity has a better covenant (8:1-13), a better sanctuary, (9:1-10), and a better sacrifice for sins (9:11-10:18).
It's not that the old law was bad, it's just that the new law---salvation by faith in Christ---is better. Once you've known the best, why settle for second rate?
It's doubtful that you will ever be tempted to exchange your faith for an ancient system of priests and sacrifices. But you will be tempted to exchange it for something inferior.
If you are reading Hebrews, be reminded: Once you've know the best, why settle for anything less? (Hmmm, there's another catchy slogan.)
FOOD:
CALIFORNIA [fat man's] CASSEROLE
1 med. 32 oz jar Ragu sauce
1 lb fettuccine
2 Tablespoons butter
8 oz cream cheese
1 small carton sour cream
1 cup chopped black olives
1 cup chopped green onions and tops
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 lbs ground chuck
1 2/3 Tablespoons salt (5 teaspoons)
Brown ground beef with 2 teaspoons of salt added and mixed until cooked. Drain. Mix with jar of Ragu. Boil fettuccine with 1 Tablespoon of salt until cooked. Drain. Mix with 2 Tablespoons butter. Cream together sour cream, cream cheese, olives, and onions. Place 1 cup sauce in greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with noodles. Top with remaining sauce. Spread cream cheese mixture over sauce. Top with cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 degrees until bubbly (about 25 minutes). If you use a glass baking dish, reduce oven temperature by 25 degrees.
FUN:
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
“Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
These are two great passages, but do they work in the downpours of the storms of life? Can you really apply them to your daily walk with Christ? In the middle of despair or desperation, they seem Utopian.
In times of troubles, my questions to God come fast and furious. Like Lieutenant Dan in the movie "Forest Gump," I shout and cry out to God when the storms hit. "What are You doing to me, God? Why me? Come on God, I really don't need a pop quiz on life right now. Where are You, God? Are You real? Do You care?"
I am shouting out so much and feeling so sorry for myself, that God is silent. Even if God tried to speak to me, I would not listen. When we are in the midst of difficult circumstances, we need to move from focusing on ourselves, toward focusing on God and His word, so His work can begin in a powerful way.
What has made the above passages become real to me in difficult circumstances? It's really simple. I have done what the passages told not to worry. I thanked God for what I was going through. It was the most difficult prayer I have ever prayed. I thanked Him for all my problems, praying continually. The faith came back more quickly, and is stronger than ever. Along with faith came joy.
Unfortunately, some people misunderstand this. They believe God wants us to pretend all is well, when it is not. But God does not want us to deny reality; He wants to help us discover what is redemptive in it.
The Psalmist faces reality:
"My soul thirsts for You; my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water." (Psalms. 63:1a)
But only three verses later, he is praising God:
“So I will bless You as long as I live." (Psalms. 63:4b)
What are some hard prayers that you need to pray today? Do you need to thank God for an illness, a family member who is troubled, or financial difficulties? Thank God for that friend, spouse or family member who has wronged you in the past, or for the disappointment of not being promoted at work. Thank God for caring so much for you that He places tests along the way, to mold you into all that He wants you to become.
My joy is back, but there are more storms out there. They will come toward me, and they will come to you. We need to be ready for them.
FRIENDS:
Father, I am so grateful to have a God like You. It is a blessing to be able to pour my heart out to You at anytime. It is great to have a patient and loving God Who understands my frustrations when life is not going like I want it to. You understand, because You know the end from the beginning. Thank You for _____. Please open my eyes and heart to see what You are teaching me. I thank You especially for our Savior and Your Son, Christ. In His name. Amen.
~HEBREWS~
The best just got better---it's a favorite slogan with advertisers.
It's not that our previous product was poor. It just that the current one is superior.
The Book of Hebrews might well use the same slogan. The best just got better.
There was nothing inferior abut the Jewish religion. It was given by God and designed by God. Every principle, rule and ritual had a wealth of meaning. The Old Testament served as a faithful guide for thousands of people over thousands of years. It was the best offered to man.
But when Christ came, the best got better.
Hebrews was written for Jewish believers who were torn between their new faith and their old ways. The temptation was to slip back into familiar routines and rituals, settling for second best.
The author skillfully makes a case against such a digression. He argues that Jesus is better than every form of the old faith---better than the angels (1:4-2:18), better than their leaders (3:1-4:13), and better than their priests (4:14-7:28). when it comes to comparing the two, there is simply no comparison. Christianity has a better covenant (8:1-13), a better sanctuary, (9:1-10), and a better sacrifice for sins (9:11-10:18).
It's not that the old law was bad, it's just that the new law---salvation by faith in Christ---is better. Once you've known the best, why settle for second rate?
It's doubtful that you will ever be tempted to exchange your faith for an ancient system of priests and sacrifices. But you will be tempted to exchange it for something inferior.
If you are reading Hebrews, be reminded: Once you've know the best, why settle for anything less? (Hmmm, there's another catchy slogan.)
FOOD:
CALIFORNIA [fat man's] CASSEROLE
1 med. 32 oz jar Ragu sauce
1 lb fettuccine
2 Tablespoons butter
8 oz cream cheese
1 small carton sour cream
1 cup chopped black olives
1 cup chopped green onions and tops
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 lbs ground chuck
1 2/3 Tablespoons salt (5 teaspoons)
Brown ground beef with 2 teaspoons of salt added and mixed until cooked. Drain. Mix with jar of Ragu. Boil fettuccine with 1 Tablespoon of salt until cooked. Drain. Mix with 2 Tablespoons butter. Cream together sour cream, cream cheese, olives, and onions. Place 1 cup sauce in greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with noodles. Top with remaining sauce. Spread cream cheese mixture over sauce. Top with cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 degrees until bubbly (about 25 minutes). If you use a glass baking dish, reduce oven temperature by 25 degrees.
FUN:
Monday, August 24, 2009
S-l-o-w D-o-w-n
FAITH:
Jonah 1:11-13
Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous. And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you. Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them.
I woke up at 6am morning with that nagging sense of being overwhelmed by stress. Stress from the demands upon my time. Stress from all the obligations and responsibilities. You know the feeling.... a tight vice grip around your stomach.
I went into my study to have my quiet time with God, read some and pray. I could not do it. Not a good sign. I went into the kitchen and starring in my face is our calendar. My wife puts her things in blue, mine are in red, the kids activities are in green and all others are in black ink. The calendar looks like a Christmas Tree all lit up! I felt the pressure of the vice grip tighten more.
I then go to my computer and attempt to sign on America Online to read the morning mail. Modem not responding! Argh! Vice grip is getting tighter and tighter.
So I do the next sensible thing... go to the office. Printer is jammed with printing I started when I went home yesterday. Fax machine is screaming for more paper. Voice mail light on my phone is blinking and begging my attention. Argh.. finally I think the day is just not starting out good! : )
The more I tried to do... the worse things got. Just like the men in the boat in the above verse.. the more they rowed the more the storm raged. Finally I slowed down enough to hear that soft voice of the Holy Spirit say... hey David... open your Bible.. spend some time with Me. Slow down my child. Be calm. Listen to me. I finally became still. And you know what happened, God drained away my stress.
Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. (KJV)
When "I" finally got out of the way. God restored me back to peace. When "I" quit rowing against the tide and listened to God, He then could overcome my stresses. When I started trusting HIM again, He helped me. What an awesome God we serve. by David Massey
FRIENDS:
Dear Lord, Forgive me for trying to do it all. Forgive me for not trusting you. Forgive me rowing against your will and your desires for me. Lord help me take things one at a time and not become overwhelmed by the total picture. Father you are an Awesome God. I love you and praise you. Thank you for giving us a peace that only YOU can give. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
24. LUKE 20:9-19; PHILEMON 1-11; PROVERBS 17:1-14 ESTHER 7-8
25. LUKE 20: 20-26; PHILEMON 12-25; PROVERBS 17:15-28; ESTHER 9-10
These are the last ones for August. When we start in September we will add Isaiah and Hebrews. Use this time to catch up on any you missed or to reflect on things you have noticed as you were reading.
~ISAIAH~
Isaiah was a blueblood among the prophets. His Hebrew was classic. His style was noble. His circles were influential. But his message was bare-knuckled.
Through the reigns of four kings he proclaimed one message: God will not forever wink at wrong.
He spoke with a grit in his gut and a fire in his eyes like one who had stood in hell and seen heaven, for that is exactly what had happened. Isaiah saw God.
Whether what he saw was in the sky or in his head matters little compared to the truth that it was in his heart. The lights danced and the angels chanted back and forth, "Holy, Holy, Holy," as if they had nothing else to say, and they didn't---for that is all you can say before him who is holy.
There are those who boast about having a vision of God like they boast about seeing the president. Not so with Isaiah. When he saw God he didn't update his resume, he begged for mercy.
"Oh, no! I will be destroyed. I am not pure, and I live among people who are not pure, but I have seen the King, the Lord All-Powerful" (6:5).
No sooner is the mercy requested than it is received. An angel purges his mouth with a hot coal, teaching us that the only mouth worthy of speaking for God is the one cleansed by God.
Isaiah was never the same after that. Send me! he volunteered. And so God sent. And so Isaiah preached. He preached with the passion and fury of a man who'd seen his life pass before his eyes.
For he had. He preached with the passion and fury of a man sent by God. For he was.
And he preached with the passion and fury of a man who longed to join the angels and spend eternity singing, "Holy, Holy, Holy" at the top of his lungs.
Something tells me that's what he is doing right now.
FOOD:
Homemade Laundry Detergent: Cheaper and Better
Why on earth would anyone want to make laundry detergent? Several reasons come to mind, such as allergies to fragrance and perfumes, environmental issues associated with phosphates and the need for some of you to buy special, high-efficiency, low-sudsing detergent for the new front-loading washers. But perhaps the most compelling reason is the cost: You can make your own laundry detergent for as little as $.02 a load. Two pennies!
Today I have recipes for both liquid and powdered laundry detergent. The liquid will be cheapest to make; the powdered version is quicker to make and a bit easier to store and dispense. In both cases you will need these ingredients (resources to follow):
1. Fels Naptha Laundry Bar soap
2. Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (do not use baking soda)
3. 20 Mule Team Borax
Liquid Laundry Detergent
3 pints water
1/3 bar Fels Naptha soap, grated
1/2 cup Super Washing Soda
1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
2-gallon bucket
1 quart hot water
Mix grated Fels Naptha Laundry Bar Soap in a large saucepan with 3 pints hot water and heat on the stove over Low heat until dissolved. Do not allow to boil. Stir in Super Washing Soda and Borax. Stir until thickened. Remove from heat. Add 1 quart hot water to 2-gallon bucket. Add soap mixture, and mix well. Fill up bucket with some additional hot water, leaving a few inches at the top, and mix well. Set aside for 24 hours, or until mixture thickens. Use 1/2 cup of mixture per load. Note: This recipe multiplies well, but you’ll need a 5-gallon bucket.
Powdered Laundry Detergent
1 cup grated Fels Naptha Laundry Bar Soap
1/2 cup Super Washing Soda
1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
Mix and store in airtight container or bag. For light loads, use 2 tablespoons. For heavy loads, use 3 tablespoons.
Note: To make a large batch grate 6 bars of Fels Naptha Soap and then add 3 cups of Super Washing Soda and 3 cups 20 Mule Team Borax. Mix well and store in a covered container.
Tip: These recipes will NOT make suds in your washer so don't be alarmed. Fels Naptha is a pure soap, which makes it perfect for use in the new high-efficiency (HE) washers as well as traditional washers. The only proof you’ll need of how well this laundry product works is to take a look at the dirty wash water. You may also notice the need to either reduce your laundry softener or even eliminate the use of softener completely.
Resources: Some supermarkets still carry these products in the laundry aisle. But they are quickly disappearing for lack of interest. But do not despair. You can order all of them at www.soapsgonebuy.com, or call 1-888-858-SOAP (1-888-858-7627).
FUN:
IDIOT SIGHTING:
When my husband and I arrived at an automobile dealership to pick up
our car, we were told the keys had been locked in it. We went to the
service department and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock
the driver side door. As I watched from the passenger side, I
instinctively tried the door handle and discovered that it was unlocked. 'Hey,' I announced to the technician, 'Its open!' His
reply, 'I know. I already got that side..'
This was at the Ford dealership in Canton, MS.
I have one!!
When I left Hawaii and was transferred to FL I still had the Hawaiian
plates on my car, as my car was shipped from Hawaii . I was parking
somewhere (I can't remember) and a guy asked me "Wow, you drove from Hawaii to here?" I looked at him and quickly said "Yep. I took the
Hawaii/San Francisco Bridge". He nodded his head and said "Cool!"
Jonah 1:11-13
Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous. And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you. Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them.
I woke up at 6am morning with that nagging sense of being overwhelmed by stress. Stress from the demands upon my time. Stress from all the obligations and responsibilities. You know the feeling.... a tight vice grip around your stomach.
I went into my study to have my quiet time with God, read some and pray. I could not do it. Not a good sign. I went into the kitchen and starring in my face is our calendar. My wife puts her things in blue, mine are in red, the kids activities are in green and all others are in black ink. The calendar looks like a Christmas Tree all lit up! I felt the pressure of the vice grip tighten more.
I then go to my computer and attempt to sign on America Online to read the morning mail. Modem not responding! Argh! Vice grip is getting tighter and tighter.
So I do the next sensible thing... go to the office. Printer is jammed with printing I started when I went home yesterday. Fax machine is screaming for more paper. Voice mail light on my phone is blinking and begging my attention. Argh.. finally I think the day is just not starting out good! : )
The more I tried to do... the worse things got. Just like the men in the boat in the above verse.. the more they rowed the more the storm raged. Finally I slowed down enough to hear that soft voice of the Holy Spirit say... hey David... open your Bible.. spend some time with Me. Slow down my child. Be calm. Listen to me. I finally became still. And you know what happened, God drained away my stress.
Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. (KJV)
When "I" finally got out of the way. God restored me back to peace. When "I" quit rowing against the tide and listened to God, He then could overcome my stresses. When I started trusting HIM again, He helped me. What an awesome God we serve. by David Massey
FRIENDS:
Dear Lord, Forgive me for trying to do it all. Forgive me for not trusting you. Forgive me rowing against your will and your desires for me. Lord help me take things one at a time and not become overwhelmed by the total picture. Father you are an Awesome God. I love you and praise you. Thank you for giving us a peace that only YOU can give. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
24. LUKE 20:9-19; PHILEMON 1-11; PROVERBS 17:1-14 ESTHER 7-8
25. LUKE 20: 20-26; PHILEMON 12-25; PROVERBS 17:15-28; ESTHER 9-10
These are the last ones for August. When we start in September we will add Isaiah and Hebrews. Use this time to catch up on any you missed or to reflect on things you have noticed as you were reading.
~ISAIAH~
Isaiah was a blueblood among the prophets. His Hebrew was classic. His style was noble. His circles were influential. But his message was bare-knuckled.
Through the reigns of four kings he proclaimed one message: God will not forever wink at wrong.
He spoke with a grit in his gut and a fire in his eyes like one who had stood in hell and seen heaven, for that is exactly what had happened. Isaiah saw God.
Whether what he saw was in the sky or in his head matters little compared to the truth that it was in his heart. The lights danced and the angels chanted back and forth, "Holy, Holy, Holy," as if they had nothing else to say, and they didn't---for that is all you can say before him who is holy.
There are those who boast about having a vision of God like they boast about seeing the president. Not so with Isaiah. When he saw God he didn't update his resume, he begged for mercy.
"Oh, no! I will be destroyed. I am not pure, and I live among people who are not pure, but I have seen the King, the Lord All-Powerful" (6:5).
No sooner is the mercy requested than it is received. An angel purges his mouth with a hot coal, teaching us that the only mouth worthy of speaking for God is the one cleansed by God.
Isaiah was never the same after that. Send me! he volunteered. And so God sent. And so Isaiah preached. He preached with the passion and fury of a man who'd seen his life pass before his eyes.
For he had. He preached with the passion and fury of a man sent by God. For he was.
And he preached with the passion and fury of a man who longed to join the angels and spend eternity singing, "Holy, Holy, Holy" at the top of his lungs.
Something tells me that's what he is doing right now.
FOOD:
Homemade Laundry Detergent: Cheaper and Better
Why on earth would anyone want to make laundry detergent? Several reasons come to mind, such as allergies to fragrance and perfumes, environmental issues associated with phosphates and the need for some of you to buy special, high-efficiency, low-sudsing detergent for the new front-loading washers. But perhaps the most compelling reason is the cost: You can make your own laundry detergent for as little as $.02 a load. Two pennies!
Today I have recipes for both liquid and powdered laundry detergent. The liquid will be cheapest to make; the powdered version is quicker to make and a bit easier to store and dispense. In both cases you will need these ingredients (resources to follow):
1. Fels Naptha Laundry Bar soap
2. Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (do not use baking soda)
3. 20 Mule Team Borax
Liquid Laundry Detergent
3 pints water
1/3 bar Fels Naptha soap, grated
1/2 cup Super Washing Soda
1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
2-gallon bucket
1 quart hot water
Mix grated Fels Naptha Laundry Bar Soap in a large saucepan with 3 pints hot water and heat on the stove over Low heat until dissolved. Do not allow to boil. Stir in Super Washing Soda and Borax. Stir until thickened. Remove from heat. Add 1 quart hot water to 2-gallon bucket. Add soap mixture, and mix well. Fill up bucket with some additional hot water, leaving a few inches at the top, and mix well. Set aside for 24 hours, or until mixture thickens. Use 1/2 cup of mixture per load. Note: This recipe multiplies well, but you’ll need a 5-gallon bucket.
Powdered Laundry Detergent
1 cup grated Fels Naptha Laundry Bar Soap
1/2 cup Super Washing Soda
1/2 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
Mix and store in airtight container or bag. For light loads, use 2 tablespoons. For heavy loads, use 3 tablespoons.
Note: To make a large batch grate 6 bars of Fels Naptha Soap and then add 3 cups of Super Washing Soda and 3 cups 20 Mule Team Borax. Mix well and store in a covered container.
Tip: These recipes will NOT make suds in your washer so don't be alarmed. Fels Naptha is a pure soap, which makes it perfect for use in the new high-efficiency (HE) washers as well as traditional washers. The only proof you’ll need of how well this laundry product works is to take a look at the dirty wash water. You may also notice the need to either reduce your laundry softener or even eliminate the use of softener completely.
Resources: Some supermarkets still carry these products in the laundry aisle. But they are quickly disappearing for lack of interest. But do not despair. You can order all of them at www.soapsgonebuy.com, or call 1-888-858-SOAP (1-888-858-7627).
FUN:
IDIOT SIGHTING:
When my husband and I arrived at an automobile dealership to pick up
our car, we were told the keys had been locked in it. We went to the
service department and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock
the driver side door. As I watched from the passenger side, I
instinctively tried the door handle and discovered that it was unlocked. 'Hey,' I announced to the technician, 'Its open!' His
reply, 'I know. I already got that side..'
This was at the Ford dealership in Canton, MS.
I have one!!
When I left Hawaii and was transferred to FL I still had the Hawaiian
plates on my car, as my car was shipped from Hawaii . I was parking
somewhere (I can't remember) and a guy asked me "Wow, you drove from Hawaii to here?" I looked at him and quickly said "Yep. I took the
Hawaii/San Francisco Bridge". He nodded his head and said "Cool!"
Saturday, August 22, 2009
God Never Sends You Out Alone
FAITH:
When you place your faith in Christ, Christ places his Spirit before, behind, and within you. Not a strange spirit, but the same Spirit: the parakletos. Everything Jesus did for his followers, his Spirit does for you. Jesus taught; the Spirit teaches. Jesus healed; the Spirit heals. Jesus comforted; his Spirit comforts. As Jesus sends you into new seasons, he sends his counselor to go with you.
God treats you the way one mother treated her young son, Timmy. She didn't like the thought of Timmy walking to his first-grade class unaccompanied. But he was too grown-up to be seen with his mother. "Besides," he explained, "I can walk with a friend." So she did her best to stay calm, quoting the Twenty-third Psalm to him every morning: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life..."
One school day she came up with an idea. She asked a neighbor to follow Timmy to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, lest he notice her. The neighbor was happy to oblige. She took her toddler on morning walks anyway.
After several days Timmy's friend noticed the lady and the child.
"Do you know who that woman is who follows us to school?"
"Sure," Timmy answered. "That's Shirley Goodnest and her daughter Marcy."
"Who?"
"My mom reads about them every day in the Twenty-third Psalm. She says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life.' Guess I'll have to get used to them."
You will too. God never sends you out alone. Are you on the eve of change? Do you find yourself looking into a new chapter? Is the foliage of your world showing signs of a new season? Heaven's message for you is clear: when everything else changes, God presence never does. You journey in the company of the Holy Spirit, who "will teach you and will remind you of everything I have told you" (John 14:26 NLT).
by Max Lucado
FRIENDS:
Father, thank you for being with us, supporting us, comforting us, walking with us when we are afraid, preserving us and delivering us. We stand in awe before you. Forgive us for our sins. Guide us and direct us to be all that You want us to be. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
22. LUKE 19:39-48; TITUS 3:1-8; PROVERBS 16:1-16; ESTHER 3-4
23. LUKE 20:1-8; TITUS 3:9-15; PROVERBS 16:17-33; ESTHER 5-6
~ Philemon~
Philemon had every reason to be angry. His slave Onesimus, had stolen from him and run away. He had escaped to Rome, where he met Paul and became a believer.
Now Onesimus is returning to Philemon. Under normal circumstances, Philemon has the right to exact revenge. But these are not normal circumstances, Paul explains. Onesimus fled as a slave, he returns as a believer.
Paul doesn't ask Philemon to free Onesimus from slavery, but to free him from anger. He urges Philemon to offer grace rather than demand justice.
Does this short letter have any application for your life? It does if there is an Onesimus in your world. It does if someone has betrayed you or offended you or turned away from you. What they did wasn't right. And to demand justice is only natural, which is precisely the problem. Getting even is natural, it's not spiritual.
As you consider how to respond, consider a higher law. A law which sets all men, slave or non-slave, free.
FOOD:
BLUEBERRY FRENCH TOAST
CASSEROLE
Serves 12
1 (14 oz) loaf french bread
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, cut into small pieces
1 cup fresh blueberries
12 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Generously butter a 13x9-inch glass baking dish. Tear bread into 1-inch
cubes; place half in prepared dish. Evenly distribute cream cheese pieces over bread; cover with blueberries. Place remaining bread cubes on top.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together eggs, milk, syrup and cinnamon;
pour over bread cubes. Cover with buttered foil and refrigerate over night.
Preheat oven to 350°. Bake, covered, 30 min. Remove foil and continue
baking until lightly bowned and center is set, about 30 min longer. Cut
into squares and serve with additional maple syrup.
FUN:
This is for those of you that think I am a cat lover only....a funny look is funny whether it be dog or cat...
When you place your faith in Christ, Christ places his Spirit before, behind, and within you. Not a strange spirit, but the same Spirit: the parakletos. Everything Jesus did for his followers, his Spirit does for you. Jesus taught; the Spirit teaches. Jesus healed; the Spirit heals. Jesus comforted; his Spirit comforts. As Jesus sends you into new seasons, he sends his counselor to go with you.
God treats you the way one mother treated her young son, Timmy. She didn't like the thought of Timmy walking to his first-grade class unaccompanied. But he was too grown-up to be seen with his mother. "Besides," he explained, "I can walk with a friend." So she did her best to stay calm, quoting the Twenty-third Psalm to him every morning: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life..."
One school day she came up with an idea. She asked a neighbor to follow Timmy to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, lest he notice her. The neighbor was happy to oblige. She took her toddler on morning walks anyway.
After several days Timmy's friend noticed the lady and the child.
"Do you know who that woman is who follows us to school?"
"Sure," Timmy answered. "That's Shirley Goodnest and her daughter Marcy."
"Who?"
"My mom reads about them every day in the Twenty-third Psalm. She says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life.' Guess I'll have to get used to them."
You will too. God never sends you out alone. Are you on the eve of change? Do you find yourself looking into a new chapter? Is the foliage of your world showing signs of a new season? Heaven's message for you is clear: when everything else changes, God presence never does. You journey in the company of the Holy Spirit, who "will teach you and will remind you of everything I have told you" (John 14:26 NLT).
by Max Lucado
FRIENDS:
Father, thank you for being with us, supporting us, comforting us, walking with us when we are afraid, preserving us and delivering us. We stand in awe before you. Forgive us for our sins. Guide us and direct us to be all that You want us to be. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
22. LUKE 19:39-48; TITUS 3:1-8; PROVERBS 16:1-16; ESTHER 3-4
23. LUKE 20:1-8; TITUS 3:9-15; PROVERBS 16:17-33; ESTHER 5-6
~ Philemon~
Philemon had every reason to be angry. His slave Onesimus, had stolen from him and run away. He had escaped to Rome, where he met Paul and became a believer.
Now Onesimus is returning to Philemon. Under normal circumstances, Philemon has the right to exact revenge. But these are not normal circumstances, Paul explains. Onesimus fled as a slave, he returns as a believer.
Paul doesn't ask Philemon to free Onesimus from slavery, but to free him from anger. He urges Philemon to offer grace rather than demand justice.
Does this short letter have any application for your life? It does if there is an Onesimus in your world. It does if someone has betrayed you or offended you or turned away from you. What they did wasn't right. And to demand justice is only natural, which is precisely the problem. Getting even is natural, it's not spiritual.
As you consider how to respond, consider a higher law. A law which sets all men, slave or non-slave, free.
FOOD:
BLUEBERRY FRENCH TOAST
CASSEROLE
Serves 12
1 (14 oz) loaf french bread
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, cut into small pieces
1 cup fresh blueberries
12 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Generously butter a 13x9-inch glass baking dish. Tear bread into 1-inch
cubes; place half in prepared dish. Evenly distribute cream cheese pieces over bread; cover with blueberries. Place remaining bread cubes on top.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together eggs, milk, syrup and cinnamon;
pour over bread cubes. Cover with buttered foil and refrigerate over night.
Preheat oven to 350°. Bake, covered, 30 min. Remove foil and continue
baking until lightly bowned and center is set, about 30 min longer. Cut
into squares and serve with additional maple syrup.
FUN:
This is for those of you that think I am a cat lover only....a funny look is funny whether it be dog or cat...
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Watch Out For False Prophets
FAITH:
Romans 15:30 - 16:27
For the last sixty or so years professors and teachers in centers of theological training have had Satan's special attention, and so successful has he been that modernism has thoroughly penetrated the church. His ministers---yes, the devil's ministers, for he has many in the ministry!---are masquerading as ministers of truth and righteousness.
Modern heresies and criticism are pitted against the infallible Word, the infallible Christ, the fact of sin, the redemptive woks of the cross, the witness of the Holy Spirit. Knowing how completely the deity and death of Christ destroyed his works, Satan, through religious teachers, has been attacking the virgin birth, the sinlessness, the efficacious death, and the resurrection of our blessed Lord.
By modernism, Satan has succeeded in robbing the church of her power in the world. With a humanized Christ, a mutilated Bible, and a glorified self, modernism is bankrupt. Nothing can damn evangelism like modernism, and Satan knows that--hence his untiring efforts to create an ever-increasing army of false teachers....Let us pray for spiritual perception, whereby we can detect, and that immediately, the subtle error in a good deal we hear from some of the pulpits of our land. by H. Lockyer
This is what the Lord God says: How terrible it will be for foolish prophets who follow their own ideas and have not seen a vision from me. You said, "This is the message of the Lord," but that is a false vision, You prophecies are lies, because I have not spoken. Ezekiel 13:3, 7.
FRIENDS:
Father, thank You for showing us through Your Son that there is no conflict in your Word if we truly seek you with a good and honest heart. We will be eternally grateful that You have loved us enough to accept us as we are and loved us too much to leave us where You found us. Please help us to extend both to others as You have given them to us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
20. LUKE 19:11-27; TITUS 2:1-10; PROVERBS 15:1-17; ESTHER 1
21. LUKE 19:28-38; TITUS 2:11-15; PROVERBS 15:18-33; ESTHER 2
Some bits of Bible trivia you may not have known....
Man who lived to be 969 years old-Genesis 5:27
Man who used a stone for a pillow-Genesis 28:11
Baby had a scarlet thread tied around its hand before birth-Genesis 38:28-29
Battle won because man stretched out his hand-Exodus17:11
Man who was spoken to by an ass-Numbers 22:28-29
Giant who had a bed 13ft. 6 in. long by 6 ft. wide-Deuteronomy 3:11
The women who had to shave their heads before marriage-Deuteronomy 21:11-13
Women forbidden to wear men's clothing-Deuteronomy 22:5
Sun and moon stood still for a whole day-Joshua 10:13
FOOD:
Impossible Salmon Pie
1 lb. asparagus, cut into 1" pieces
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1-1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
6 oz. can salmon, drained and flaked
1-1/4 cups milk
3 eggs
1 cup baking mix
1 tsp. dried basil leaves
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 10" pie plate and set aside. In large pot, bring water to a boil. Add asparagus and red bell pepper; simmer for 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain well. Arrange in pie plate along with 3/4 cup Swiss cheese, and the salmon.
In medium bowl, combine milk, eggs, baking mix, basil, and pepper and beat with wire whisk until smooth. Pour over salmon and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake at 400 degrees for 40-45 minutes until a knife inserted in the center of the pie comes out clean. Sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup Swiss cheese and bake 2-3 minutes longer until cheese is melted. Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving.
6-8 servings
FUN:
REDNECK PLAYSTATION......
http://majman.net/fly_loader.html
Romans 15:30 - 16:27
For the last sixty or so years professors and teachers in centers of theological training have had Satan's special attention, and so successful has he been that modernism has thoroughly penetrated the church. His ministers---yes, the devil's ministers, for he has many in the ministry!---are masquerading as ministers of truth and righteousness.
Modern heresies and criticism are pitted against the infallible Word, the infallible Christ, the fact of sin, the redemptive woks of the cross, the witness of the Holy Spirit. Knowing how completely the deity and death of Christ destroyed his works, Satan, through religious teachers, has been attacking the virgin birth, the sinlessness, the efficacious death, and the resurrection of our blessed Lord.
By modernism, Satan has succeeded in robbing the church of her power in the world. With a humanized Christ, a mutilated Bible, and a glorified self, modernism is bankrupt. Nothing can damn evangelism like modernism, and Satan knows that--hence his untiring efforts to create an ever-increasing army of false teachers....Let us pray for spiritual perception, whereby we can detect, and that immediately, the subtle error in a good deal we hear from some of the pulpits of our land. by H. Lockyer
This is what the Lord God says: How terrible it will be for foolish prophets who follow their own ideas and have not seen a vision from me. You said, "This is the message of the Lord," but that is a false vision, You prophecies are lies, because I have not spoken. Ezekiel 13:3, 7.
FRIENDS:
Father, thank You for showing us through Your Son that there is no conflict in your Word if we truly seek you with a good and honest heart. We will be eternally grateful that You have loved us enough to accept us as we are and loved us too much to leave us where You found us. Please help us to extend both to others as You have given them to us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
20. LUKE 19:11-27; TITUS 2:1-10; PROVERBS 15:1-17; ESTHER 1
21. LUKE 19:28-38; TITUS 2:11-15; PROVERBS 15:18-33; ESTHER 2
Some bits of Bible trivia you may not have known....
Man who lived to be 969 years old-Genesis 5:27
Man who used a stone for a pillow-Genesis 28:11
Baby had a scarlet thread tied around its hand before birth-Genesis 38:28-29
Battle won because man stretched out his hand-Exodus17:11
Man who was spoken to by an ass-Numbers 22:28-29
Giant who had a bed 13ft. 6 in. long by 6 ft. wide-Deuteronomy 3:11
The women who had to shave their heads before marriage-Deuteronomy 21:11-13
Women forbidden to wear men's clothing-Deuteronomy 22:5
Sun and moon stood still for a whole day-Joshua 10:13
FOOD:
Impossible Salmon Pie
1 lb. asparagus, cut into 1" pieces
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1-1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
6 oz. can salmon, drained and flaked
1-1/4 cups milk
3 eggs
1 cup baking mix
1 tsp. dried basil leaves
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 10" pie plate and set aside. In large pot, bring water to a boil. Add asparagus and red bell pepper; simmer for 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain well. Arrange in pie plate along with 3/4 cup Swiss cheese, and the salmon.
In medium bowl, combine milk, eggs, baking mix, basil, and pepper and beat with wire whisk until smooth. Pour over salmon and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake at 400 degrees for 40-45 minutes until a knife inserted in the center of the pie comes out clean. Sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup Swiss cheese and bake 2-3 minutes longer until cheese is melted. Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving.
6-8 servings
FUN:
REDNECK PLAYSTATION......
http://majman.net/fly_loader.html
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Our Hope Is In The Lord
FAITH:
Seems like more and more people are losing hope these days, but that makes you wonder what they are trying to put their hope in. The Hope of the world is Jesus Christ. Our Hope is found in our Father's Word.
Psalm 39:7 "But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.
Psalm 119:81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.
Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
1 Peter1:21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
1 Corinthians 15:19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.
1 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope
Titus 1:2 a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Psalms 9:8 But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish.
Psalms 16:9-10 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave,
Psalms 31:24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
Psalms 43:5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Psalms 71:5 For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.
Psalms 71:14 But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
Psalms 119:74 May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word.
Psalms 119:81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.
Psalms 119:116 Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.
Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
2 Thes 2:16-17 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
FRIENDS:
Dear Lord, touch those of us today who feel hopeless. Lord, reveal Your hope to them today. Give them the strength they need to feel Your Hope and Your love. Father, we thank you for our Hope, our Savior, and our Lord, Jesus Christ. In His hope filled name we pray, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
19. LUKE 19:1-10; TITUS 1:10-16; PROVERBS 14:19-35; NEHEMIAH 13
20. LUKE 19 11-27; TITUS 2:1-10; PROVERBS 15:1-17; ESTHER 1
~ ESTHER ~
The Book of Esther. Some things about it you love. Some things you admire. but there is some thing about it that leaves you scratching your head.
You love the story. A Jewish girl raised in Persia by a cousin named Mordecai. She becomes the wife of the king by winning the Miss Persia contest. Her husband is Xerxes. (Better known to some as Ahasuerus, which sounds like something you do when you have a bad cold.)
It is a rags-to-riches romance, though you've got to wonder how much romance could occur when you are married to a a guy who would chop your head off if you popped into his office without an appointment. But that's what Esther did. She took the chance at the chance it would save her nation.
That is the part of Esther you admire. Aside from being a beauty, she was gutsy. Xerxes's right-hand man is Haman. (A name that, as you'll soon see, sounds curiously close to "hangman.") Haman was a raging Nazi. Nothing would suit him better than annihilation of the Jews. One day he got his chance. Mordecai, Esther's foster father, refused to bow before Haman. Haman was so mad he convinced Xerxes to let him do away with the whole nation.
That's where Esther comes in. Literally. She comes into the king's chambers uninvited but not unprepared. After getting the Jews to pray and fast for three days, she puts on her royal robes and stands at the door. Xerxes likes what he sees and invites her in. One invitation leads to another, and by the time she finishes, Xerxes not only agrees to call off the massacre but orders Haman to hang from the same gallows Haman had built for Mordecai.
Whew! Quite a lady, this Esther. You have to love her story. But there is one thing that is tough to figure. God name never appears in the entire book. His actions do. His thoughts do. His plan does. His fingerprints are on every page. But his name never appears. Could it be that God is more concerned about getting the job done than getting credit?
FOOD:
Walnut-Strawberry (or Rhubarb) Quick Bread
Everyone loves this bread no matter which way it's made: all strawberry; all rhubarb, or a combination of the two. We also used half a cup of applesauce in one recipe with great success, when we ran short of strawberries.
1/2 cup (2 ounces) chopped walnuts
1 1/2 cups (6 1/4 ounces) unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup (7 ounces) sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon zest OR 1/4 teaspoon lemon oil
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups (10 ounces) mashed strawberries*
1/2 cup (3 7/8 ounces) vegetable oil
*Note: Use 1 1/4 cups cooked rhubarb in place of the strawberries, to make a slightly tart bread. Start with 2 1/2 cups sliced rhubarb. Cook over medium heat (or in the microwave) to make about 1 1/4 cups unsweetened rhubarb sauce. You may also substitute rhubarb for just some of the strawberries, to make strawberry-rhubarb bread.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour (or spray with non-stick vegetable oil spray) a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the walnuts, flour, sugar, soda, salt and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon, eggs, strawberries and vegetable oil. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, whisking until well-blended.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the bread in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a rack to cool completely, 1 hour or longer. For best flavor and easiest slicing, wrap the bread while still slightly warm and let it sit overnight.
FUN:
This is very relaxing to look at...
http://www.greatdanepro.com/Western%20Paintings/index.htm
Seems like more and more people are losing hope these days, but that makes you wonder what they are trying to put their hope in. The Hope of the world is Jesus Christ. Our Hope is found in our Father's Word.
Psalm 39:7 "But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.
Psalm 119:81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.
Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
1 Peter1:21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
1 Corinthians 15:19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.
1 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope
Titus 1:2 a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Psalms 9:8 But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish.
Psalms 16:9-10 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave,
Psalms 31:24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
Psalms 43:5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Psalms 71:5 For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.
Psalms 71:14 But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
Psalms 119:74 May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word.
Psalms 119:81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.
Psalms 119:116 Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.
Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
2 Thes 2:16-17 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
FRIENDS:
Dear Lord, touch those of us today who feel hopeless. Lord, reveal Your hope to them today. Give them the strength they need to feel Your Hope and Your love. Father, we thank you for our Hope, our Savior, and our Lord, Jesus Christ. In His hope filled name we pray, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
19. LUKE 19:1-10; TITUS 1:10-16; PROVERBS 14:19-35; NEHEMIAH 13
20. LUKE 19 11-27; TITUS 2:1-10; PROVERBS 15:1-17; ESTHER 1
~ ESTHER ~
The Book of Esther. Some things about it you love. Some things you admire. but there is some thing about it that leaves you scratching your head.
You love the story. A Jewish girl raised in Persia by a cousin named Mordecai. She becomes the wife of the king by winning the Miss Persia contest. Her husband is Xerxes. (Better known to some as Ahasuerus, which sounds like something you do when you have a bad cold.)
It is a rags-to-riches romance, though you've got to wonder how much romance could occur when you are married to a a guy who would chop your head off if you popped into his office without an appointment. But that's what Esther did. She took the chance at the chance it would save her nation.
That is the part of Esther you admire. Aside from being a beauty, she was gutsy. Xerxes's right-hand man is Haman. (A name that, as you'll soon see, sounds curiously close to "hangman.") Haman was a raging Nazi. Nothing would suit him better than annihilation of the Jews. One day he got his chance. Mordecai, Esther's foster father, refused to bow before Haman. Haman was so mad he convinced Xerxes to let him do away with the whole nation.
That's where Esther comes in. Literally. She comes into the king's chambers uninvited but not unprepared. After getting the Jews to pray and fast for three days, she puts on her royal robes and stands at the door. Xerxes likes what he sees and invites her in. One invitation leads to another, and by the time she finishes, Xerxes not only agrees to call off the massacre but orders Haman to hang from the same gallows Haman had built for Mordecai.
Whew! Quite a lady, this Esther. You have to love her story. But there is one thing that is tough to figure. God name never appears in the entire book. His actions do. His thoughts do. His plan does. His fingerprints are on every page. But his name never appears. Could it be that God is more concerned about getting the job done than getting credit?
FOOD:
Walnut-Strawberry (or Rhubarb) Quick Bread
Everyone loves this bread no matter which way it's made: all strawberry; all rhubarb, or a combination of the two. We also used half a cup of applesauce in one recipe with great success, when we ran short of strawberries.
1/2 cup (2 ounces) chopped walnuts
1 1/2 cups (6 1/4 ounces) unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup (7 ounces) sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon zest OR 1/4 teaspoon lemon oil
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups (10 ounces) mashed strawberries*
1/2 cup (3 7/8 ounces) vegetable oil
*Note: Use 1 1/4 cups cooked rhubarb in place of the strawberries, to make a slightly tart bread. Start with 2 1/2 cups sliced rhubarb. Cook over medium heat (or in the microwave) to make about 1 1/4 cups unsweetened rhubarb sauce. You may also substitute rhubarb for just some of the strawberries, to make strawberry-rhubarb bread.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour (or spray with non-stick vegetable oil spray) a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the walnuts, flour, sugar, soda, salt and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon, eggs, strawberries and vegetable oil. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, whisking until well-blended.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the bread in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a rack to cool completely, 1 hour or longer. For best flavor and easiest slicing, wrap the bread while still slightly warm and let it sit overnight.
FUN:
This is very relaxing to look at...
http://www.greatdanepro.com/Western%20Paintings/index.htm
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