Party Slices
Created by The MDM Team, Thursday, February 21, 2008
This open-faced "sandwich" is served on a slice of bread. The beef, sausage, onion and cheese mixture comes together wonderfully for a super succulent taste.
Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. bulk sausages
1 medium onion, chopped
1 lb. American cheese, cubed
1 tsp. Worcestershire
1 tsp. dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Party rye bread
Methods/steps
Brown beef, pork and onion until onion is tender; drain. Stir in remaining ingredients except bread. Spread rye bread with about 1 tbsp. mixture each and broil until hot and bubbly. May be frozen and broiled without defrosting.
August 31, 2009
Monday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
Treasuring Redemption's Price
The key to understanding the cry of Jesus from the cross is found in Paul's letter to the Galatians: "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree'" (Gal. 3:13, NIV).
To be cursed is to be removed from the presence of God, to be set outside the camp, to be cut off from His benefits. On the cross, Jesus was cursed. That is, He represented the Jewish nation of covenant breakers who were exposed to the curse and took the full measure of the curse on Himself. As the Lamb of God, the Sin Bearer, He was cut off from the presence of God.
On the cross, Jesus entered into the experience of forsakenness on our behalf. God turned His back on Jesus and cut Him off from all blessing, from all keeping, from all grace, and from all peace.
God is too holy to even look at iniquity. God the Father turned His back on the Son, cursing Him to the pit of hell while He hung on the cross. Here was the Son's "descent into hell." Here the fury of God raged against Him. His scream was the scream of the damned. For us.
Coram Deo: Living in the Presence of God
Reflect on what Jesus did for you on Calvary. Give thanks for the Lamb of God who bore your sin.
For Further Study
Galatians 3:13: "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree')."
Galatians 3:10: "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.'"
The mission, passion and purpose of Ligonier Ministries and Dr. R.C. Sproul is to help people grow in their knowledge of God and His holiness. For more information, please visit www.ligonier.org or call them at 800-435-4343.© R.C. Sproul. All rights reserved.
Subscribe to Tabletalk Magazine from Ligonier Ministries
When you subscribe to Tabletalk, you get a tool that helps you grow in your knowledge of God and in your love for His Son and His people. Each month is packed with more than 60 pages of focused, practical Bible study and insightful commentary by today's top Christian thinkers. Learn more about the magazine.
Verse of the Day for August 31, 2009
Verse of the Day for August 31, 2009
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (NIV)
Meditation
You may hear yourself say at times, "I did all that work for nothing!" It doesn't work that way with God. If you earnestly, diligently, seek to know God, it will be worth the effort. He will respond. He promised. How much do you seek to know God?
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (NIV)
Meditation
You may hear yourself say at times, "I did all that work for nothing!" It doesn't work that way with God. If you earnestly, diligently, seek to know God, it will be worth the effort. He will respond. He promised. How much do you seek to know God?
Green Cabbage and Mushrooms
Green Cabbage and Mushrooms
6 Servings
Ingredients:
1 small green cabbage, cored and diced, about 6 cups
1 cup vegetable stock
1 tablespoon quality extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1/2 pound mushrooms (shiitake or oyster, if possible)
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed into 1/4 cup cold water
1 tablespoon fresh dill weed, chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a covered pot over high heat, steam the cabbage in the stock for 5 minutes until it is just wilted and still bright green. Remove from heat and remove cover.
2. While the cabbage cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok, and sauté the onion and mushrooms until they brown. Add the cabbage and heat through, mixing well. Stir the cornstarch mixture well and add it to skillet. Bring mixture to boil, stirring, until liquid thickens. Reduce heat and season to taste with dill, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
74 calories
3 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
10 g carbohydrate
2 g protein
1 g fiber
150 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
6 Servings
Ingredients:
1 small green cabbage, cored and diced, about 6 cups
1 cup vegetable stock
1 tablespoon quality extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1/2 pound mushrooms (shiitake or oyster, if possible)
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed into 1/4 cup cold water
1 tablespoon fresh dill weed, chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a covered pot over high heat, steam the cabbage in the stock for 5 minutes until it is just wilted and still bright green. Remove from heat and remove cover.
2. While the cabbage cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok, and sauté the onion and mushrooms until they brown. Add the cabbage and heat through, mixing well. Stir the cornstarch mixture well and add it to skillet. Bring mixture to boil, stirring, until liquid thickens. Reduce heat and season to taste with dill, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
74 calories
3 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
10 g carbohydrate
2 g protein
1 g fiber
150 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
August 30, 2009
Verse of the Day for August 30, 2009
Verse of the Day for August 30, 2009
Romans 8:26
The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. (NIV)
Meditation
Sometimes it's hard to put our needs into words. You may not know what to pray for. God will help you. Name a time in your life when you could not even pray.
Romans 8:26
The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. (NIV)
Meditation
Sometimes it's hard to put our needs into words. You may not know what to pray for. God will help you. Name a time in your life when you could not even pray.
The All-Seeing Eyes of God
The All-Seeing Eyes of God
BBD#1e
(2Ch 16:9a KJV)
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth,
to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him...
(Job 34:21-22 KJV)
For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.
(22) There is no darkness, nor shadow of death,
where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
(Psa 34:15-19 KJV)
The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous,
and his ears are open unto their cry.
(16) The face of the LORD is against them that do evil,
to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
(17) The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
(18) The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart;
and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
(19) Many are the afflictions of the righteous:
but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
Dear Friends in Christ,
GOD is the Creator of everything, the Heavens and the earth. He is worthy of human worship because of His holy nature and His perfect love revealed in His Creation. He has elected to redeem His fallen people, by providing eternal salvation through His Son Jesus Christ.
God is unique. No person, object, or idea can be compared to God. In the Bible, it is revealed that God sees everything in every place and is aware of all things at all times. Nothing is outside of His knowledge--past, present, or future. Nothing is hidden from Him, and only fools think they can hide their deeds from God. The wicked, ie. those who will not repent of their sins and turn in humility to Christ, deceive themselves into thninking that they can get away with their evil thoughts and deeds. They believe that there is no God to see or hear, and they can just sin in every way they want and they will not be called to account. But they are dead wrong !!! God sees all, He hears all, even the thoughts and intents of the heart. He is even keeping a record of all their evil thoughts and words, and at the Great White Throne Judgement, everything will be revealed and be Judged by Jesus Christ. And then, final doom will be executed...as Jesus says,
(Mat 25:41 KJV)
...Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
God knows completely the thoughts and doings of human beings. Jesus taught that God has complete knowledge of human beings, and the author of Hebrews wrote that "nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight".God Bless you as you study His word.
(Heb 4:12-13 KJV)
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow,
and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
{13} Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight:
but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
In Christ..brother bob...<><
Bible Verse for you to Ponder
THE LORD OBSERVES BOTH THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED
(Psa 11:4-7 KJV)
The LORD is in his holy temple,
the LORD'S throne is in heaven:
his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
{5} The LORD trieth the righteous:
but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
{6} Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest:
this shall be the portion of their cup.
{7} For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness;
his countenance doth behold the upright.
(Prov 5:21 KJV)
For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD,
and he pondereth all his goings.
(Prov 15:3 KJV)
The eyes of the LORD are in every place,
beholding the evil and the good.
(Jer 17:10(KJV)
I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins,
even to give every man according to his ways,
and according to the fruit of his doings.
THE WICKED CANNOT HIDE FROM THE ALL-SEEING EYES OF GOD
(Isa 29:15 KJV)
Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD,
and their works are in the dark, and they say,
Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?
Jer 23:24 (KJV)
Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD.
Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.
Job 34:21-22 (KJV)
For his eyes are upon the ways of man,
and he seeth all his goings.
{22} There is no darkness, nor shadow of death,
where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
(Prov 15:8-11 KJV)
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD:
but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
{9} The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD:
but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
{10} Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way:
and he that hateth reproof shall die.
{11} Hell and destruction are before the LORD:
how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
THE LORD SHOWS MERCY AND FAVOR TO THOSE THAT TRUST HIM
Psa 33:18-22 (KJV)
Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him,
upon them that hope in his mercy;
(19) To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
(20) Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.
(21) For our heart shall rejoice in him,
because we have trusted in his holy name.
(22) Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
2 Chr 16:9a (KJV)
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth,
to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.
Psa 17:3 (KJV)
Thou hast proved mine heart;
thou hast visited me in the night;
thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing;
I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
Psa 139:1-18 (KJV)
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.
{2} Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising,
thou understandest my thought afar off.
{3} Thou compassest my path and my lying down,
and art acquainted with all my ways.
{4} For there is not a word in my tongue,
but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
{5} Thou hast {surrounded} me behind and before,
and laid thine hand upon me.
{6} Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
{7} Whither shall I go from thy spirit?
or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
{8} If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there:
if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
{9} If I take the wings of the morning,
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
{10} Even there shall thy hand lead me,
and thy right hand shall hold me.
{11} If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me;
even the night shall be light about me.
{12} Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee;
but the night shineth as the day:
the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
{13} For thou hast possessed my reins {Heb=constructed my essential organs}:
thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
{14} I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:
marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
{15} My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret,
and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth{Heb=the womb}
{16} Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect;
and in thy book all my members were written,
which in continuance were fashioned,
when as yet there was none of them.
{17} How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God!
how great is the sum of them!
{18} If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand:
when I awake, I am still with thee.
Rev 2:18-19 (KJV)
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write;
These things saith the Son of God,
who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire,
and his feet are like fine brass;
{19} I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith,
and thy patience, and thy works;
and the last to be more than the first.
Heb 4:13-16 (KJV)
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight:
but all things are naked and opened
unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
{14} Seeing then that we have a great high priest,
that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,
let us hold fast our profession.
{15} For we have not an high priest
which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are,
yet without sin.
{16} Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help in time of need.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
(Psa 139:23-24 KJV)
Search me, O God, and know my heart:
try me, and know my thoughts:
{24} And see if there be any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
For further study, Check out these archives of past devotionals:
(Note: the devotionals may be under the headings of "discussions" "files" or "pages" )
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive-part-2?msg=new&lnk=gcis&hl=en
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive/web?hl=en
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive/web
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-archives-part-3/
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive-4
IXTHEUS CHRISTIAN GROWTH DEVOTIONALS
ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE
(but not necessarily free of COST)
Feel free to redistribute these materials to whomever you want.
Please submit all questions, comments, suggestions,
or REQUESTS FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS to ixtheus@execpc.com
Request a free email copy of my evangelistic presentation:
"The God Who is Really There" from ixtheus@execpc.com
BBD#1e
(2Ch 16:9a KJV)
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth,
to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him...
(Job 34:21-22 KJV)
For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.
(22) There is no darkness, nor shadow of death,
where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
(Psa 34:15-19 KJV)
The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous,
and his ears are open unto their cry.
(16) The face of the LORD is against them that do evil,
to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
(17) The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
(18) The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart;
and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
(19) Many are the afflictions of the righteous:
but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
Dear Friends in Christ,
GOD is the Creator of everything, the Heavens and the earth. He is worthy of human worship because of His holy nature and His perfect love revealed in His Creation. He has elected to redeem His fallen people, by providing eternal salvation through His Son Jesus Christ.
God is unique. No person, object, or idea can be compared to God. In the Bible, it is revealed that God sees everything in every place and is aware of all things at all times. Nothing is outside of His knowledge--past, present, or future. Nothing is hidden from Him, and only fools think they can hide their deeds from God. The wicked, ie. those who will not repent of their sins and turn in humility to Christ, deceive themselves into thninking that they can get away with their evil thoughts and deeds. They believe that there is no God to see or hear, and they can just sin in every way they want and they will not be called to account. But they are dead wrong !!! God sees all, He hears all, even the thoughts and intents of the heart. He is even keeping a record of all their evil thoughts and words, and at the Great White Throne Judgement, everything will be revealed and be Judged by Jesus Christ. And then, final doom will be executed...as Jesus says,
(Mat 25:41 KJV)
...Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
God knows completely the thoughts and doings of human beings. Jesus taught that God has complete knowledge of human beings, and the author of Hebrews wrote that "nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight".God Bless you as you study His word.
(Heb 4:12-13 KJV)
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow,
and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
{13} Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight:
but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
In Christ..brother bob...<><
Bible Verse for you to Ponder
THE LORD OBSERVES BOTH THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED
(Psa 11:4-7 KJV)
The LORD is in his holy temple,
the LORD'S throne is in heaven:
his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
{5} The LORD trieth the righteous:
but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
{6} Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest:
this shall be the portion of their cup.
{7} For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness;
his countenance doth behold the upright.
(Prov 5:21 KJV)
For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD,
and he pondereth all his goings.
(Prov 15:3 KJV)
The eyes of the LORD are in every place,
beholding the evil and the good.
(Jer 17:10(KJV)
I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins,
even to give every man according to his ways,
and according to the fruit of his doings.
THE WICKED CANNOT HIDE FROM THE ALL-SEEING EYES OF GOD
(Isa 29:15 KJV)
Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD,
and their works are in the dark, and they say,
Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?
Jer 23:24 (KJV)
Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD.
Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.
Job 34:21-22 (KJV)
For his eyes are upon the ways of man,
and he seeth all his goings.
{22} There is no darkness, nor shadow of death,
where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.
(Prov 15:8-11 KJV)
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD:
but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
{9} The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD:
but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
{10} Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way:
and he that hateth reproof shall die.
{11} Hell and destruction are before the LORD:
how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
THE LORD SHOWS MERCY AND FAVOR TO THOSE THAT TRUST HIM
Psa 33:18-22 (KJV)
Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him,
upon them that hope in his mercy;
(19) To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
(20) Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.
(21) For our heart shall rejoice in him,
because we have trusted in his holy name.
(22) Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
2 Chr 16:9a (KJV)
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth,
to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.
Psa 17:3 (KJV)
Thou hast proved mine heart;
thou hast visited me in the night;
thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing;
I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
Psa 139:1-18 (KJV)
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.
{2} Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising,
thou understandest my thought afar off.
{3} Thou compassest my path and my lying down,
and art acquainted with all my ways.
{4} For there is not a word in my tongue,
but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
{5} Thou hast {surrounded} me behind and before,
and laid thine hand upon me.
{6} Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
{7} Whither shall I go from thy spirit?
or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
{8} If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there:
if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
{9} If I take the wings of the morning,
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
{10} Even there shall thy hand lead me,
and thy right hand shall hold me.
{11} If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me;
even the night shall be light about me.
{12} Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee;
but the night shineth as the day:
the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
{13} For thou hast possessed my reins {Heb=constructed my essential organs}:
thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
{14} I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:
marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
{15} My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret,
and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth{Heb=the womb}
{16} Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect;
and in thy book all my members were written,
which in continuance were fashioned,
when as yet there was none of them.
{17} How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God!
how great is the sum of them!
{18} If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand:
when I awake, I am still with thee.
Rev 2:18-19 (KJV)
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write;
These things saith the Son of God,
who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire,
and his feet are like fine brass;
{19} I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith,
and thy patience, and thy works;
and the last to be more than the first.
Heb 4:13-16 (KJV)
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight:
but all things are naked and opened
unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
{14} Seeing then that we have a great high priest,
that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,
let us hold fast our profession.
{15} For we have not an high priest
which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are,
yet without sin.
{16} Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help in time of need.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
(Psa 139:23-24 KJV)
Search me, O God, and know my heart:
try me, and know my thoughts:
{24} And see if there be any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
For further study, Check out these archives of past devotionals:
(Note: the devotionals may be under the headings of "discussions" "files" or "pages" )
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive-part-2?msg=new&lnk=gcis&hl=en
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive/web?hl=en
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive/web
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-archives-part-3/
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive-4
IXTHEUS CHRISTIAN GROWTH DEVOTIONALS
ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE
(but not necessarily free of COST)
Feel free to redistribute these materials to whomever you want.
Please submit all questions, comments, suggestions,
or REQUESTS FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS to ixtheus@execpc.com
Request a free email copy of my evangelistic presentation:
"The God Who is Really There" from ixtheus@execpc.com
Carrot Cake
Carrot Cake
9 Servings
Carrot cake is a perennial favorite, but it is often loaded with vegetable oil and laden with a cream cheese frosting. Our version is healthier, using a small amount of olive oil, a full cup of honey for moistness and flavor, and a combination of whole wheat pastry and unbleached flours. The crunchy walnuts even add a bit of omega-3 fats to this sweet treat. With a cup of hot green tea, this cake will make you forget about cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
2 cups firmly packed finely grated carrots (3 large)
Juice of 1 large orange
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup light olive oil
1 cup honey, liquefied in microwave (30 seconds)
1/2 cup crushed or chopped pineapple, drained
1 cup unbleached white flour
1 1/2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground allspice
3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, stir together the carrots, orange juice, vanilla, olive oil, honey, and pineapple until well blended.
3. In another bowl, stir together the flours, baking soda, and spices. Mix in the walnuts.
4. Blend the dry ingredients into the carrot mixture, stirring until just mixed.
5. Pour the batter into a nonstick 8-inch-square baking pan and bake for 45-60 minutes until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and remove from pan.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
334 calories
9 g total fat (1 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
62 g carbohydrate
5 g protein
4 g fiber
25 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
9 Servings
Carrot cake is a perennial favorite, but it is often loaded with vegetable oil and laden with a cream cheese frosting. Our version is healthier, using a small amount of olive oil, a full cup of honey for moistness and flavor, and a combination of whole wheat pastry and unbleached flours. The crunchy walnuts even add a bit of omega-3 fats to this sweet treat. With a cup of hot green tea, this cake will make you forget about cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
2 cups firmly packed finely grated carrots (3 large)
Juice of 1 large orange
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup light olive oil
1 cup honey, liquefied in microwave (30 seconds)
1/2 cup crushed or chopped pineapple, drained
1 cup unbleached white flour
1 1/2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground allspice
3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, stir together the carrots, orange juice, vanilla, olive oil, honey, and pineapple until well blended.
3. In another bowl, stir together the flours, baking soda, and spices. Mix in the walnuts.
4. Blend the dry ingredients into the carrot mixture, stirring until just mixed.
5. Pour the batter into a nonstick 8-inch-square baking pan and bake for 45-60 minutes until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and remove from pan.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
334 calories
9 g total fat (1 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
62 g carbohydrate
5 g protein
4 g fiber
25 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
Sunday - The Sayings of Jesus
Mark 2:1-14
1) And when he returned to Caper'na-um after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2) And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. 3) And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4) And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. 5) And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." 6) Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7) "Why does this man speak thus? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 8) And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? 9) Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, `Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, `Rise, take up your pallet and walk'? 10) But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" -- he said to the paralytic -- 11) "I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." 12) And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!" 13) He went out again beside the sea; and all the crowd gathered about him, and he taught them. 14) And as he passed on, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him.
1) And when he returned to Caper'na-um after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2) And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. 3) And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4) And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. 5) And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." 6) Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7) "Why does this man speak thus? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 8) And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? 9) Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, `Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, `Rise, take up your pallet and walk'? 10) But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" -- he said to the paralytic -- 11) "I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." 12) And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!" 13) He went out again beside the sea; and all the crowd gathered about him, and he taught them. 14) And as he passed on, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him.
Sunday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
August 30
Today's Reading: 2 Chronicles 17-18; John 13:1-20
Today's Thoughts: Friends' Advice
Now when Job's three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, each one came from his own place--Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. For they had made an appointment together to come and mourn with him, and to comfort him. And when they raised their eyes from afar, and did not recognize him, they lifted their voices and wept; and each one tore his robe and sprinkled dust on his head toward heaven. So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great. Job 2:11-13
Job's friends had obviously been getting reports as to what was happening to him, and at some point decided to come and see for themselves what was going on. The Bible does not tell us how much time had passed since Job's afflictions began. In chapter one, Satan is given permission to take the things in Job's life that matters most to him, so he wiped out Job's children and property. Instead of cursing God, Job fell on the ground and worshiped God, saying that the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. In chapter two, Satan is back, asking permission to physically harm Job's flesh. God granted this permission to the exception of any harm that could bring death to Job. Satan inflicted Job with painful afflictions that were both external and internal, and no doubt caused quite a stir amongst those who knew him. He was so severely disfigured that his three friends did not recognize him.
These friends came with the purpose to "mourn with him, and to comfort him." But if you continue reading the rest of the book of Job, you will see more criticism than comfort is given from these friends. They each used their own wisdom in giving Job advice and counsel. But their counsel is not of the Lord, it is of themselves. They do not know or understand God's ways. They ended up being anything but comforting to Job, as Job had to defend his own actions and beliefs to them. In the end, God restored Job to twice what he originally had, and Job was granted an amazing insight into just how glorious and holy God is. As for these three friends, it was Job himself who prayed on their behalf so that God would pardon their sins against him. They may have thought they were helping Job, but in reality they were sinning against him, and God was watching.
God is always watching us too. Sometimes God sets up circumstances just to see how we will respond. Will we turn from the Lord or will we worship Him? People around us will always have an opinion. Some of these people will be true friends who try to help. God is watching them as well. As Christians, we will find ourselves at times on both sides. When life's trials and afflictions hit us, we may feel like Job, and all we can really do is to continue to trust the Lord, to cry out to Him and to worship Him through it all. If we are watching a friend go through a difficult trial, then we must pray for the wisdom on how to help them. It is not our place to give them our personal counsel or guidance. Our role as their friend is to intercede in prayer for them and to help them in the ways that God is leading us to help them. We need to remember that God is watching how we will respond in both situations. We must trust the Lord, seek His counsel, and wait upon Him. For in the end, God is the only One who can truly restore us.
Our mission is to evangelize the lost and awaken the saved to live empowered lives by the Work of God and His Holy Spirit. Daily Disciples Ministries makes a difference for the kingdom of God by teaching and training believers how to be in God's Word, how to pray and how to walk with Jesus every day, as His daily disciple.
Daily Disciples Ministries, Inc.
Today's Reading: 2 Chronicles 17-18; John 13:1-20
Today's Thoughts: Friends' Advice
Now when Job's three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, each one came from his own place--Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. For they had made an appointment together to come and mourn with him, and to comfort him. And when they raised their eyes from afar, and did not recognize him, they lifted their voices and wept; and each one tore his robe and sprinkled dust on his head toward heaven. So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great. Job 2:11-13
Job's friends had obviously been getting reports as to what was happening to him, and at some point decided to come and see for themselves what was going on. The Bible does not tell us how much time had passed since Job's afflictions began. In chapter one, Satan is given permission to take the things in Job's life that matters most to him, so he wiped out Job's children and property. Instead of cursing God, Job fell on the ground and worshiped God, saying that the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. In chapter two, Satan is back, asking permission to physically harm Job's flesh. God granted this permission to the exception of any harm that could bring death to Job. Satan inflicted Job with painful afflictions that were both external and internal, and no doubt caused quite a stir amongst those who knew him. He was so severely disfigured that his three friends did not recognize him.
These friends came with the purpose to "mourn with him, and to comfort him." But if you continue reading the rest of the book of Job, you will see more criticism than comfort is given from these friends. They each used their own wisdom in giving Job advice and counsel. But their counsel is not of the Lord, it is of themselves. They do not know or understand God's ways. They ended up being anything but comforting to Job, as Job had to defend his own actions and beliefs to them. In the end, God restored Job to twice what he originally had, and Job was granted an amazing insight into just how glorious and holy God is. As for these three friends, it was Job himself who prayed on their behalf so that God would pardon their sins against him. They may have thought they were helping Job, but in reality they were sinning against him, and God was watching.
God is always watching us too. Sometimes God sets up circumstances just to see how we will respond. Will we turn from the Lord or will we worship Him? People around us will always have an opinion. Some of these people will be true friends who try to help. God is watching them as well. As Christians, we will find ourselves at times on both sides. When life's trials and afflictions hit us, we may feel like Job, and all we can really do is to continue to trust the Lord, to cry out to Him and to worship Him through it all. If we are watching a friend go through a difficult trial, then we must pray for the wisdom on how to help them. It is not our place to give them our personal counsel or guidance. Our role as their friend is to intercede in prayer for them and to help them in the ways that God is leading us to help them. We need to remember that God is watching how we will respond in both situations. We must trust the Lord, seek His counsel, and wait upon Him. For in the end, God is the only One who can truly restore us.
Our mission is to evangelize the lost and awaken the saved to live empowered lives by the Work of God and His Holy Spirit. Daily Disciples Ministries makes a difference for the kingdom of God by teaching and training believers how to be in God's Word, how to pray and how to walk with Jesus every day, as His daily disciple.
Daily Disciples Ministries, Inc.
August 29, 2009
Saturday - The Sayings of Jesus
Matthew 5:13-26
13) "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men. 14) You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15) Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 17) T hink not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18) For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19) Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20) For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 21) You have heard that it was said to the men of old, `You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment.' 22) But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and whoever says, `You fool!' shall be liable to the hell of fire. 23) So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24) leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25) Make friends quickly with your accuser, while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison; 26) truly, I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny."
13) "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men. 14) You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15) Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 17) T hink not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18) For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19) Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20) For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 21) You have heard that it was said to the men of old, `You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment.' 22) But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and whoever says, `You fool!' shall be liable to the hell of fire. 23) So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24) leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25) Make friends quickly with your accuser, while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison; 26) truly, I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny."
Verse of the Day for August 29, 2009
Verse of the Day for August 29, 2009
Job 37:5
"God's voice is glorious in the thunder. We cannot comprehend the greatness of his power." (NLT)
Meditation
We can hear and see God all around us. In the power of a storm. In the gentleness of a daisy. In the playfulness of a squirrel getting ready for winter. God is the Creator, and He expresses Himself in each of His creations. In what ways does a rainstorm remind you of God?
Job 37:5
"God's voice is glorious in the thunder. We cannot comprehend the greatness of his power." (NLT)
Meditation
We can hear and see God all around us. In the power of a storm. In the gentleness of a daisy. In the playfulness of a squirrel getting ready for winter. God is the Creator, and He expresses Himself in each of His creations. In what ways does a rainstorm remind you of God?
Saturday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
Aug. 29-30, 2009
The Influence of Faith
1 Kings 18:37-40
In contemporary Christian culture, faith is often considered a possession that affects just its "owner." Because of our love for independence and self-sufficiency, we have, in many ways, lost the sense of community and outreach that the church is meant to embody. We live like little islands in our own "personal relationship with Christ." But in reality, God wants our faith to influence others, both within and outside the church.
Elijah's faith influenced the entire nation of Israel. By believing and delivering God's message, he was an example to them in word and deed. When he asked the Lord to reveal Himself as almighty God, fire fell from heaven, and the people believed.
His motive in the showdown at Mount Carmel was to draw the people back to the Lord. We usually think of "sharing our faith" with those who don't know Christ, but our confidence in God can also encourage weak or wayward believers. Likewise, those strong in faith can strengthen us when we are struggling with doubt.
The church is described as a body whose parts are all interconnected (1 Cor. 12:12). God never intended that we be autonomous, living in our own personal faith. We are not like a bag of marbles; rather, we're to be like a bunch of grapes whose juices blend in times of pressure.
Guard against living an isolated Christian life. Share your confidence in God's faithfulness. Your testimony could help others' faith to grow. If you're troubled by doubt or fear, let go of any pride or shame, and seek help from a strong believer. Mutual blessing awaits when we reach out to one another.
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org
and click here to listen to Dr. Stanley at OnePlace.com.
FEATURED RESOURCE
The NASB Life Principles Bible
You can now read the Scriptures in Dr. Stanley's favorite teaching translation -- the New American Standard -- while learning the 30 Life Principles that have guided him for more than 50 years. The new NASB Life Principles Bible will enhance your personal study time through explanation of key passages, plus helpful resources like "Answers to Life's Questions," concordance, maps, and much more. Available in leather and hardcover.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2009 All Rights Reserved.
The Influence of Faith
1 Kings 18:37-40
In contemporary Christian culture, faith is often considered a possession that affects just its "owner." Because of our love for independence and self-sufficiency, we have, in many ways, lost the sense of community and outreach that the church is meant to embody. We live like little islands in our own "personal relationship with Christ." But in reality, God wants our faith to influence others, both within and outside the church.
Elijah's faith influenced the entire nation of Israel. By believing and delivering God's message, he was an example to them in word and deed. When he asked the Lord to reveal Himself as almighty God, fire fell from heaven, and the people believed.
His motive in the showdown at Mount Carmel was to draw the people back to the Lord. We usually think of "sharing our faith" with those who don't know Christ, but our confidence in God can also encourage weak or wayward believers. Likewise, those strong in faith can strengthen us when we are struggling with doubt.
The church is described as a body whose parts are all interconnected (1 Cor. 12:12). God never intended that we be autonomous, living in our own personal faith. We are not like a bag of marbles; rather, we're to be like a bunch of grapes whose juices blend in times of pressure.
Guard against living an isolated Christian life. Share your confidence in God's faithfulness. Your testimony could help others' faith to grow. If you're troubled by doubt or fear, let go of any pride or shame, and seek help from a strong believer. Mutual blessing awaits when we reach out to one another.
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org
and click here to listen to Dr. Stanley at OnePlace.com.
FEATURED RESOURCE
The NASB Life Principles Bible
You can now read the Scriptures in Dr. Stanley's favorite teaching translation -- the New American Standard -- while learning the 30 Life Principles that have guided him for more than 50 years. The new NASB Life Principles Bible will enhance your personal study time through explanation of key passages, plus helpful resources like "Answers to Life's Questions," concordance, maps, and much more. Available in leather and hardcover.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2009 All Rights Reserved.
Eggplant & Mushroom Greek Casserole
Eggplant & Mushroom Greek Casserole
Makes: 12 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Wednesday, January 23, 2008
This amazing Greek Pastitso features a wonderful sauce that is served over your choice of pasta. Go Greek tonight with the ultimate eggplant and mushroom casserole.
Ingredients
1 brinjal, diced (The eggplant, aka aubergine, or brinjal)
2 tbsp. oil
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/2 lb. button mushrooms, quartered
6-8 tomatoes, skinned and chopped
1/3 cup red wine
1 1/2 cups vegetable stock
1/2 lb. pasta
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
Sauce
3/4 lb. ricotta cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup of milk
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
1 oz. Parmesan cheese
Methods/steps
Heat the oil and fry the brinjal, for several minutes until lightly browned, drain on kitchen paper; add onion, garlic and mushrooms to the pan, add more oil if necessary. Cook until the onion is soft. Combine tomatoes, wine and stock in a pot, simmer for 15 minutes or until thick. Stir in brinjal and onion mushroom mixture. Cook pasta until tender, drain. Combine pasta with half of the brinjal mixture. Spread into a large ovenproof dish, top with remaining brinjal mixture. Combine all ingredients for the sauce and spread over brinjal mixture. Sprinkle with cheese and Parmesan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.
Additional Tips
Ready in 1¼ hour
Makes: 12 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Wednesday, January 23, 2008
This amazing Greek Pastitso features a wonderful sauce that is served over your choice of pasta. Go Greek tonight with the ultimate eggplant and mushroom casserole.
Ingredients
1 brinjal, diced (The eggplant, aka aubergine, or brinjal)
2 tbsp. oil
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/2 lb. button mushrooms, quartered
6-8 tomatoes, skinned and chopped
1/3 cup red wine
1 1/2 cups vegetable stock
1/2 lb. pasta
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
Sauce
3/4 lb. ricotta cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup of milk
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
1 oz. Parmesan cheese
Methods/steps
Heat the oil and fry the brinjal, for several minutes until lightly browned, drain on kitchen paper; add onion, garlic and mushrooms to the pan, add more oil if necessary. Cook until the onion is soft. Combine tomatoes, wine and stock in a pot, simmer for 15 minutes or until thick. Stir in brinjal and onion mushroom mixture. Cook pasta until tender, drain. Combine pasta with half of the brinjal mixture. Spread into a large ovenproof dish, top with remaining brinjal mixture. Combine all ingredients for the sauce and spread over brinjal mixture. Sprinkle with cheese and Parmesan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.
Additional Tips
Ready in 1¼ hour
August 28, 2009
Verse of the Day for August 28, 2009
Verse of the Day for August 28, 2009
Proverbs 19:17
If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD -- and he will repay you! (NLT)
Meditation
Who comes to mind when you think of "the poor?" Someone far away? Or are there people already in your life who need your help? What effect have you done for the weak or poor this week?
Proverbs 19:17
If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD -- and he will repay you! (NLT)
Meditation
Who comes to mind when you think of "the poor?" Someone far away? Or are there people already in your life who need your help? What effect have you done for the weak or poor this week?
Greek Chicken
Greek Chicken
Makes: 4 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Grilled chicken can become boring over time. So why not kick it up a notch with this Greek spin that combines poultry with a carrot and cabbage medley? We guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
1 medium head cabbage, quartered
1 lb. carrots cut into 1-inch pieces
Water, to cover
4 cubes chicken bouillon
1 tsp. poultry seasoning
1/4 tsp. Greek-style seasoning
2 tbsp. cornstarch
1/4 cup water
Methods/steps
Rinse chicken and place in Slow Cooker. Rinse cabbage and place on top of chicken, and then add carrots. Add enough water to almost cover all. Add bouillon cubes and sprinkle liberally with poultry seasoning. Add Greek seasoning to taste and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. To Make Gravy: When you're nearly ready to eat, pour off some of the juice and place in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Dissolve cornstarch in about 1/4 cup water and add to saucepan and simmer all together until thick. Serve gravy over chicken and potatoes.
Additional Tips
Ready in 4-8 hours
Makes: 4 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Grilled chicken can become boring over time. So why not kick it up a notch with this Greek spin that combines poultry with a carrot and cabbage medley? We guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
1 medium head cabbage, quartered
1 lb. carrots cut into 1-inch pieces
Water, to cover
4 cubes chicken bouillon
1 tsp. poultry seasoning
1/4 tsp. Greek-style seasoning
2 tbsp. cornstarch
1/4 cup water
Methods/steps
Rinse chicken and place in Slow Cooker. Rinse cabbage and place on top of chicken, and then add carrots. Add enough water to almost cover all. Add bouillon cubes and sprinkle liberally with poultry seasoning. Add Greek seasoning to taste and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. To Make Gravy: When you're nearly ready to eat, pour off some of the juice and place in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Dissolve cornstarch in about 1/4 cup water and add to saucepan and simmer all together until thick. Serve gravy over chicken and potatoes.
Additional Tips
Ready in 4-8 hours
Friday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
Forward to a Friend Free Newsletters
WHAT DOES GOD LOOK LIKE TO YOU?
Have you ever seen THE WIZARD OF OZ? That movie was produced in 1939, and it still captivates viewers of all ages as they travel with Dorothy and company down the Yellow Brick Road to see the great and powerful Oz. When they finally get a meeting with the Wizard, they find him to be very ill-tempered, mean and cruel. He is a being full of fire and rage. He insults them, yells at them, bullies them and scares them half to death, especially the Cowardly Lion who literally faints from terror before Oz. Do you see it? In that movie, Oz is a representation of God. The negative way Oz is depicted in that initial encounter with Dorothy and the gang is the same way so many people understand God. The picture they have hanging in their minds about God looks like this:
God: He is mean, angry, and always upset with me. He thinks I am a burden and a loser. He is not someone I can get close to, share with, or really have a personal relationship with. I must walk on eggshells whenever I am around God. He is someone I need to be afraid of and stay away from. WHAT A LIE!!!God is not the angry Wizard from Oz. He is the Father in the story of the Prodigal Son. When the foul-smelling, father-disgracing prodigal finally returns home in humility and brokenness, the true God does not berate him and heap guilt and condemnation on his head. He does not spit on him and cast him out as the Wizard of Oz would surely do. The true God runs to him, embraces him, kisses him, forgives him, and receives him with great joy! He puts a robe on his back, a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And if that were not enough, he then throws a party for his returning son! He kills the fattened calf (not the scrawny chicken) because there is to be a BIG CELEBRATION as the Father rejoices in the return of His son. DO YOU NEED TO HANG A NEW PICTURE?Who does God look more like to you: the angry Wizard of Oz or the loving Father of the Prodigal? Could it be that one of the big reasons you find it so hard to share your heart and life with God is because of your negative, warped view of God? Don't you think it is time to hang the real picture of God in the halls of your mind? Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (Jn. 8:32). Without a doubt, the greatest truth you could ever learn is the truth about the person of God. As A. W. Tozer once said, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." Remember God's own words to Moses concerning Himself:
Then the Lord passed by in front of him [Moses] and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations. And Moses made haste to bow low toward the earth and worship. Exodus 34:5-8WOW!! What a friend we have in Jesus! Don't believe the devil's lies concerning God. He is the best friend a person could ever have, and He wants to be your best friend and wrap His strong arms of love, forgiveness and grace around you today!Love,
Jeff SchrevePastorwww.fromhisheart.orgjeff@fromhisheart.org1-888-811-8203
Jeff Schreve is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Texarkana, Texas. He and his wife Debbie have been married for over 20 years and are blessed with three wonderful girls. Jeff began From His Heart Ministries, a radio and television ministry, in January of 2005. This ministry is completely listener/viewer supported. It continues only through the faithful and generous gifts of people like you. Pastor Jeff takes no salary from this ministry. All gifts go to further the broadcast.
WHAT DOES GOD LOOK LIKE TO YOU?
Have you ever seen THE WIZARD OF OZ? That movie was produced in 1939, and it still captivates viewers of all ages as they travel with Dorothy and company down the Yellow Brick Road to see the great and powerful Oz. When they finally get a meeting with the Wizard, they find him to be very ill-tempered, mean and cruel. He is a being full of fire and rage. He insults them, yells at them, bullies them and scares them half to death, especially the Cowardly Lion who literally faints from terror before Oz. Do you see it? In that movie, Oz is a representation of God. The negative way Oz is depicted in that initial encounter with Dorothy and the gang is the same way so many people understand God. The picture they have hanging in their minds about God looks like this:
God: He is mean, angry, and always upset with me. He thinks I am a burden and a loser. He is not someone I can get close to, share with, or really have a personal relationship with. I must walk on eggshells whenever I am around God. He is someone I need to be afraid of and stay away from. WHAT A LIE!!!God is not the angry Wizard from Oz. He is the Father in the story of the Prodigal Son. When the foul-smelling, father-disgracing prodigal finally returns home in humility and brokenness, the true God does not berate him and heap guilt and condemnation on his head. He does not spit on him and cast him out as the Wizard of Oz would surely do. The true God runs to him, embraces him, kisses him, forgives him, and receives him with great joy! He puts a robe on his back, a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And if that were not enough, he then throws a party for his returning son! He kills the fattened calf (not the scrawny chicken) because there is to be a BIG CELEBRATION as the Father rejoices in the return of His son. DO YOU NEED TO HANG A NEW PICTURE?Who does God look more like to you: the angry Wizard of Oz or the loving Father of the Prodigal? Could it be that one of the big reasons you find it so hard to share your heart and life with God is because of your negative, warped view of God? Don't you think it is time to hang the real picture of God in the halls of your mind? Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (Jn. 8:32). Without a doubt, the greatest truth you could ever learn is the truth about the person of God. As A. W. Tozer once said, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." Remember God's own words to Moses concerning Himself:
Then the Lord passed by in front of him [Moses] and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations. And Moses made haste to bow low toward the earth and worship. Exodus 34:5-8WOW!! What a friend we have in Jesus! Don't believe the devil's lies concerning God. He is the best friend a person could ever have, and He wants to be your best friend and wrap His strong arms of love, forgiveness and grace around you today!Love,
Jeff SchrevePastorwww.fromhisheart.orgjeff@fromhisheart.org1-888-811-8203
Jeff Schreve is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Texarkana, Texas. He and his wife Debbie have been married for over 20 years and are blessed with three wonderful girls. Jeff began From His Heart Ministries, a radio and television ministry, in January of 2005. This ministry is completely listener/viewer supported. It continues only through the faithful and generous gifts of people like you. Pastor Jeff takes no salary from this ministry. All gifts go to further the broadcast.
August 27, 2009
Thursday - Prayer of the Evening
“…I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’and they will say
‘The Lord is our God.’” Zechariah 13:9
FINDING PEACE IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING
"And these are but the outer fringe of His works;
How faint the whisper we hear of Him!
Who then can understand the thunder o His power!"
JOB 26:14
God's power and ways are immeasurable, far beyond our comprehension. We will never fully understand them this side of heaven. We don't understand His ways that allow us to suffer. And why we must praise God no matter what is happening in our lives. We should praise Him in the midst of suffering because it strengthens us and refines our faith in Him. Trials, hardships, and pain serve to strengthen not only the individual, but also a society or nation. How much more should we praise God when we know for certain that God loves us, has a purpose, and is working out His plan through every experience.
Our suffering can be compared to the refining process of silver. The heat is turned up, and as the impurities rise to the surface they are skimmed away by the refiner. Because God is Sovereign, nothing that happens to us surprises Him. And as difficult as it is to accept sometimes, God even allows His children to suffer.
It is In those times of suffering that we may feel as if were on a roller coaster, going up and down as we wonder why God would allow us to endure such pain. Yet if we draw close to Him, we will have a sense of peace, knowing He is in control of the situation. In spite of all that Job went through, he never doubted God's unlimited power. Job said that God's power terrified him. (Referring to God's ability to calm a raging storm)
So even in the midst of turmoil and grief, praise God for the path He has chosen for you and for His refining power and love. When the heat is on, allow the Refiner to purify your soul.
AMEN
‘The Lord is our God.’” Zechariah 13:9
FINDING PEACE IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING
"And these are but the outer fringe of His works;
How faint the whisper we hear of Him!
Who then can understand the thunder o His power!"
JOB 26:14
God's power and ways are immeasurable, far beyond our comprehension. We will never fully understand them this side of heaven. We don't understand His ways that allow us to suffer. And why we must praise God no matter what is happening in our lives. We should praise Him in the midst of suffering because it strengthens us and refines our faith in Him. Trials, hardships, and pain serve to strengthen not only the individual, but also a society or nation. How much more should we praise God when we know for certain that God loves us, has a purpose, and is working out His plan through every experience.
Our suffering can be compared to the refining process of silver. The heat is turned up, and as the impurities rise to the surface they are skimmed away by the refiner. Because God is Sovereign, nothing that happens to us surprises Him. And as difficult as it is to accept sometimes, God even allows His children to suffer.
It is In those times of suffering that we may feel as if were on a roller coaster, going up and down as we wonder why God would allow us to endure such pain. Yet if we draw close to Him, we will have a sense of peace, knowing He is in control of the situation. In spite of all that Job went through, he never doubted God's unlimited power. Job said that God's power terrified him. (Referring to God's ability to calm a raging storm)
So even in the midst of turmoil and grief, praise God for the path He has chosen for you and for His refining power and love. When the heat is on, allow the Refiner to purify your soul.
AMEN
Thursday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
THE DEATH OF FEAR
References:-->Proverbs 28:1The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
How do you respond to fear situations in your life? The following steps will help you identify and hopefully eliminate any irrational fears.
First, analyze your fear. Most people aren't aware of what is controlling their lives. If you are struggling with anxiety attacks, determine when they first occurred. What experience preceded the first attack? People struggling with agoraphobia can usually identify one precipitating event. It is often associated with some tragedy or failure in their lives, such as a marital affair or an abortion. Satan takes advantage of victimized people if they don't seek a scriptural solution to their crisis (Psalm 38:18).
Second, determine where God's place in your life has been usurped. In what way does any fear prevent you from responsible behavior or compel you toward irresponsible behavior? You may need to confess any situations where you've allowed your actions to be controlled by fear (Psalm 28:1). We will always live less than a responsible life if we fear anything other than God.
Third, work out a plan of responsible behavior. A college student shared with me that she was living in terror of her father. They hadn't spoken to each other in six months. Obviously there was irresponsible behavior on both their parts. I suggested that she take the initiative that evening and say, "Hi, Dad!" We reasoned that there were three possible responses he could give. First, he could get mad. Second, he could respond with a greeting. Third, he could remain silent. It was the possibility of the third response that created the most fear.
We then discussed the fourth point: Determine in advance what your response will be to any fear-object. The young woman and I talked about what her response would be in each of those three cases we had mentioned. I then asked her if she would be willing to carry out our plan. She agreed to do it. I got a call that evening from a happy daughter who exclaimed, "He said 'Hi' back!"
Do the thing you fear the most, and the death of fear is certain.
Prayer:
Lord, give me the courage to meet my fears head-on and the persistence to overcome them in Your strength.
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Thursday - The Sayings of Jesus
John 14:1-17
1) " Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. 2) In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3) And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4) And you know the way where I am going." 5) Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" 6) Jesus said to him, " I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. 7) If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; henceforth you know him and have seen him." 8) Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied." 9) Jesus said to him, " Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, `Show us the Father'? 10) Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11) Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me; or else believe me for the sake of the works themselves. 12) " Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. 13) Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; 14) if you ask anything in my name, I will do it. 15) " If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16) And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, 17) even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you.
1) " Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. 2) In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3) And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4) And you know the way where I am going." 5) Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" 6) Jesus said to him, " I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. 7) If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; henceforth you know him and have seen him." 8) Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied." 9) Jesus said to him, " Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, `Show us the Father'? 10) Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11) Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me; or else believe me for the sake of the works themselves. 12) " Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. 13) Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; 14) if you ask anything in my name, I will do it. 15) " If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16) And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, 17) even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you.
Roasted Salmon with Stir-Fry Vegetables
Roasted Salmon with Stir-Fry Vegetables
2 Servings
This is a low-calorie and low-carbohydrate recipe because it doesn't contain a traditional "starch" item. Stir fries generally use rice, but water chestnuts make a great stand-in when you want a lower calorie meal. Water chestnuts are readily available in the Chinese food section of most supermarkets. You can also try canned bamboo shoots.
Ingredients:
12 ounces of salmon, cut into two fillets
1 teaspoon of herb blend
1/2 lemon
1 tbsp dark sesame oil (or canola oil)
2 cloves garlic (chopped)
1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
1/4 cup onions (chopped)
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
5 oz can of water chestnuts, drained
3 cups baby spinach leaves, steamed (see Ingredient Tip)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Rinse the salmon well and rub with lemon juice. Place the fillets on a cake rack, laid on a cookie sheet, on the middle rack of the oven. You can place the the fillets directly on the cookie sheet, but raising them keeps the fish a little firmer. Bake for 20 minutes.
While the salmon is cooking, heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan and add the garlic, onion and ginger. Stir fry for 2 minutes, then add the mushrooms and fry for 2 to 4 minutes more. Finally add the tomatoes and water chestnuts, fry until heated through and fold in the steamed spinach. Serve alongside the salmon.
If you feel this dish needs additional flavoring, make a quick sauce by mixing 2 tbsp of low-sodium soy sauce with 2 tbsp of rice vinegar. Add to the stir-fry near the end of cooking.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
332 calories
13 g total fat (2 g sat)
88 mg cholesterol
17 g carbohydrate
37 g protein
2 g fiber
160 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
2 Servings
This is a low-calorie and low-carbohydrate recipe because it doesn't contain a traditional "starch" item. Stir fries generally use rice, but water chestnuts make a great stand-in when you want a lower calorie meal. Water chestnuts are readily available in the Chinese food section of most supermarkets. You can also try canned bamboo shoots.
Ingredients:
12 ounces of salmon, cut into two fillets
1 teaspoon of herb blend
1/2 lemon
1 tbsp dark sesame oil (or canola oil)
2 cloves garlic (chopped)
1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
1/4 cup onions (chopped)
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
5 oz can of water chestnuts, drained
3 cups baby spinach leaves, steamed (see Ingredient Tip)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Rinse the salmon well and rub with lemon juice. Place the fillets on a cake rack, laid on a cookie sheet, on the middle rack of the oven. You can place the the fillets directly on the cookie sheet, but raising them keeps the fish a little firmer. Bake for 20 minutes.
While the salmon is cooking, heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan and add the garlic, onion and ginger. Stir fry for 2 minutes, then add the mushrooms and fry for 2 to 4 minutes more. Finally add the tomatoes and water chestnuts, fry until heated through and fold in the steamed spinach. Serve alongside the salmon.
If you feel this dish needs additional flavoring, make a quick sauce by mixing 2 tbsp of low-sodium soy sauce with 2 tbsp of rice vinegar. Add to the stir-fry near the end of cooking.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
332 calories
13 g total fat (2 g sat)
88 mg cholesterol
17 g carbohydrate
37 g protein
2 g fiber
160 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
Exotic Rice
Exotic Rice
Makes: 4 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Sunday, December 9, 2007
Spice up your rice with some exotic mushrooms and onions. You won't believe how much a little kick can go a long, long way.
Ingredients
3 cups chopped exotic mushrooms
1 medium onion, diced
1/4 cup butter
5 cups cooked white rice
Soy sauce, to taste
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup green onions, sliced
Methods/steps
In a large skillet saute mushrooms and onion in butter until soft. Stir in cooked rice, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and green onions. Cook until heated through and serve immediately.
Makes: 4 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Sunday, December 9, 2007
Spice up your rice with some exotic mushrooms and onions. You won't believe how much a little kick can go a long, long way.
Ingredients
3 cups chopped exotic mushrooms
1 medium onion, diced
1/4 cup butter
5 cups cooked white rice
Soy sauce, to taste
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup green onions, sliced
Methods/steps
In a large skillet saute mushrooms and onion in butter until soft. Stir in cooked rice, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and green onions. Cook until heated through and serve immediately.
August 26, 2009
Verse of the Day for August 26, 2009
Verse of the Day for August 26, 2009
Matthew 18:15
[Jesus says,] "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over." (NIV)
Meditation
So many problems in the workplace, at home, and in church could be avoided if we followed Matthew 18:15. If you need to, call up someone who wronged you and win him or her over. What is holding you back?
Matthew 18:15
[Jesus says,] "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over." (NIV)
Meditation
So many problems in the workplace, at home, and in church could be avoided if we followed Matthew 18:15. If you need to, call up someone who wronged you and win him or her over. What is holding you back?
Wednesday - The Sayings of Jesus
Luke 23:36-53
36) As they were saying this, Jesus himself stood among them. 37) But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. 38) And he said to them, " Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? 39) See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." 41) And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, " Have you anything here to eat?" 42) They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43) and he took it and ate before them. 44) Then he said to them, " These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled." 45) Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46) and said to them, " Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47) and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48) You are witnesses of these things. 49) And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high." 50) Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51) While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. 52) And they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53) and were continually in the temple blessing God.
36) As they were saying this, Jesus himself stood among them. 37) But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. 38) And he said to them, " Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? 39) See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." 41) And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, " Have you anything here to eat?" 42) They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43) and he took it and ate before them. 44) Then he said to them, " These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled." 45) Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46) and said to them, " Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47) and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48) You are witnesses of these things. 49) And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high." 50) Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51) While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. 52) And they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53) and were continually in the temple blessing God.
Wednesday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
Are you a trustworthy person? August 26, 2009
But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge."
--Genesis 39:8
We live in a sexually saturated culture and society, and temptations are in our faces every single day. So how can you and I prepare to resist sexual temptation?
Let's consider Joseph. You see, Joseph was being pursued by the wife of his boss, Potiphar. The Scripture says she tried to seduce him day after day. But each time she tried, Joseph resisted.
What was it that made Joseph so resolute? Well, for one thing, Joseph valued the explicit and complete trust that had been placed in him by Potiphar.
That trust played a major role in Joseph's ability to resist temptation. And when he resisted the woman's advances, Joseph not only honored God, but he honored his master, their relationship, and the trust that had been given to him.
So let me ask you, "Who has put their trust in you?"
If you are a follower of Christ, God has entrusted you with salvation. If you're married, your spouse has placed trust in you. If you're a parent, your children trust you. And most likely your friends and the people in your church trust you.
So here's the big question: Are you trustworthy like Joseph was trustworthy?
Right now, let God begin to strengthen your spirit and resolve that you might not sin--sexually or otherwise--and break the trust that God and others have put in you.
ARE YOU A TRUSTWORTHY PERSON?
For more from PowerPoint Ministries and Dr. Jack Graham, please visit www.jackgraham.organdclick here to listen to Dr. Graham's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.
OUR THANKS TO YOU!
Pause: Resting in God Instead of Stressing Out
Dear Friend,
Do the words rested... peaceful... and refreshed describe you today? Or do the words stressed... rushed... and pressured better describe your way of life?If you're like most Christians, you'd probably have to admit those last three words more accurately describe your life most of the time!The good news is that it doesn't have to be this way... even when your life is one big pressure-cooker. And in my new book, Pause: Resting in God Instead of Stressing Out, I'll show you why.Based on the principles from Paul's letter to the Philippians and Psalm 23, Pause: Resting in God Instead of Stressing Out will help you find true peace and rest in a world that is anything but peaceful and restful. It's the perfect "pause" button you need!So please request your copy of Pause: Resting in God Instead of Stressing Out when you give online today! --Jack Graham
But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge."
--Genesis 39:8
We live in a sexually saturated culture and society, and temptations are in our faces every single day. So how can you and I prepare to resist sexual temptation?
Let's consider Joseph. You see, Joseph was being pursued by the wife of his boss, Potiphar. The Scripture says she tried to seduce him day after day. But each time she tried, Joseph resisted.
What was it that made Joseph so resolute? Well, for one thing, Joseph valued the explicit and complete trust that had been placed in him by Potiphar.
That trust played a major role in Joseph's ability to resist temptation. And when he resisted the woman's advances, Joseph not only honored God, but he honored his master, their relationship, and the trust that had been given to him.
So let me ask you, "Who has put their trust in you?"
If you are a follower of Christ, God has entrusted you with salvation. If you're married, your spouse has placed trust in you. If you're a parent, your children trust you. And most likely your friends and the people in your church trust you.
So here's the big question: Are you trustworthy like Joseph was trustworthy?
Right now, let God begin to strengthen your spirit and resolve that you might not sin--sexually or otherwise--and break the trust that God and others have put in you.
ARE YOU A TRUSTWORTHY PERSON?
For more from PowerPoint Ministries and Dr. Jack Graham, please visit www.jackgraham.organdclick here to listen to Dr. Graham's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.
OUR THANKS TO YOU!
Pause: Resting in God Instead of Stressing Out
Dear Friend,
Do the words rested... peaceful... and refreshed describe you today? Or do the words stressed... rushed... and pressured better describe your way of life?If you're like most Christians, you'd probably have to admit those last three words more accurately describe your life most of the time!The good news is that it doesn't have to be this way... even when your life is one big pressure-cooker. And in my new book, Pause: Resting in God Instead of Stressing Out, I'll show you why.Based on the principles from Paul's letter to the Philippians and Psalm 23, Pause: Resting in God Instead of Stressing Out will help you find true peace and rest in a world that is anything but peaceful and restful. It's the perfect "pause" button you need!So please request your copy of Pause: Resting in God Instead of Stressing Out when you give online today! --Jack Graham
New Potatoes with Cumin
New Potatoes with Cumin
Makes: 8 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Friday, February 15, 2008 Description -->
This Indian-inspired potato dish combines cumin, curry, turmeric and other spices for an aromatic concoction. Get your dose of curry in a hurry.
Ingredients
2 lb. new potatoes, cut into 1/4 inch thick pieces2 tbsp. olive oil2 tbsp. cumin seed2 tsp. ground turmeric2 tsp. curry powder2 tsp. coarse sea salt1 tsp. ground black pepper3 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
Methods/steps
Place whole potatoes into a saucepan with water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until just tender. Drain, and cut potatoes into quarters. Set aside to keep warm. Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the cumin, turmeric, and curry powder for 1 minute. Add potatoes, and sauté until toasted. Toss potatoes with sea salt, pepper and fresh cilantro, and serve hot.
Additional Tips
Ready in 35 min
Makes: 8 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Friday, February 15, 2008 Description -->
This Indian-inspired potato dish combines cumin, curry, turmeric and other spices for an aromatic concoction. Get your dose of curry in a hurry.
Ingredients
2 lb. new potatoes, cut into 1/4 inch thick pieces2 tbsp. olive oil2 tbsp. cumin seed2 tsp. ground turmeric2 tsp. curry powder2 tsp. coarse sea salt1 tsp. ground black pepper3 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
Methods/steps
Place whole potatoes into a saucepan with water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until just tender. Drain, and cut potatoes into quarters. Set aside to keep warm. Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the cumin, turmeric, and curry powder for 1 minute. Add potatoes, and sauté until toasted. Toss potatoes with sea salt, pepper and fresh cilantro, and serve hot.
Additional Tips
Ready in 35 min
August 24, 2009
God by His Very Nature is a Saviour
God by His Very Nature is a Saviour
BBD#1e
(2 Sam 22:2-4 KJV)
And he said, The LORD is my ROCK, and my FORTRESS, and my DELIVERER;
{3} The God of my ROCK; in him will I TRUST: he is my SHIELD and the HORN of my SALVATION,
my HIGH TOWER, and my REFUGE, my SAVIOUR; thou savest me from VIOLENCE.
{4} I will CALL on the LORD, who is WORTHY TO BE PRAISED: so shall I be SAVED from mine ENEMIES.
DEFINITIONS FROM 2 Sam 22:2-4ROCK-HEB= A LOFTY STRONGHOLD
(Deu 32:3-4 KJV)
Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.
{4} He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment:
a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
(Psa 18:2-3 KJV)
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
my God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
{3} I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised:
so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
FORTRESS-HEB= A CASTLE, A DEFENSE, A STRONGHOLD, A NET FOR CAPTURE (OF OUR ENEMIES)
(Psa 71:3-4 KJV)
Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort:
thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.
{4} Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked,
out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
DELIVER(ER)-HEB=TO SLIP OUT, ESCAPE, BE DELIVERED, BE CARRIED AWAY AND BE SAFE
(Psa 70:5 KJV)
But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: t
hou art my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying.
(Psa 71:1-3 KJV)
In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.
{2} Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.
{3} Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort:
thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.
ROCK- HEB= A CLIFF OR SHARP ROCK, A PRECIPICE, A ROCK OR BOULDER
(Deu 32:3-4 KJV)
Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.
{4} He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment:
a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
(Exo 17:6 KJV)
Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb;
and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink.
And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
TRUST- HEB= TO FLEE FOR REFUGE OR PROTECTION
(2 Sam 22:31-33 KJV)
As for God, his way is perfect;
the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.
{32} For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God?
{33} God is my strength and power: And he maketh my way perfect.
SHIELD- HEB= A SMALL SHIELD OR BUCKLER, LIKE THE SCALY HIDE OF A CROCIDILE
(Deu 33:29 KJV)
Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD,
the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency!
and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee;
and thou shalt tread upon their high places.
HORN- HEB= A PROJECTING, AS AN ELEPHANT'S TUSK OR A TRUMPET; A RAY OF LIGHT, POWER
(1 Sam 2:10 KJV)
The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces;
out of heaven shall he thunder upon them:
the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth;
and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.
SALVATION-HEB=LIBERTY, DELIVERANCE, PROSPERITY
(Exo 14:13-14 KJV)
And Moses said unto the people,
Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will show to you to day: f
or the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
{14} The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
HIGH TOWER- HEB= LOFTY OR INACCESSIBLE PLACE
(Gen 11:4-5 KJV)
And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven;
and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
{5} And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.
REFUGE-HEB= A FLEEING, A PLACE OF ESCAPE, A WAY TO FLEE
(Num 35:11-12 KJV)
Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you;
that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.
{12} And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger;
that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.
SAVIOUR-HEB= TO CAUSE TO BE FREE, TO AVENGE OR DELIVER, TO DEFEND
(Isa 43:11-13 KJV)
I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
{12} I have declared, and have saved, and I have showed, when there was no strange god among you:
therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.
{13} Yea, before the day was I am he;
and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?
VIOLENCE- HEB=UNJUST DAMAGE, OPPRESSION, VIOLENCE.
(Gen 6:11-12 KJV)
The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
{12} And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt;
for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
CALL ON - HEB=CALL OUT BY NAME
(Gen 4:26 KJV)
And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos:
then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.
WORTHY- TO BE PRAISED HEB= WORTHY TO BE PRAISED
(1 Chr 16:23-26 KJV)
Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; show forth from day to day his salvation.
{24} Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.
{25} For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods.
{26} For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
SAVED- HEB=MADE SAFE, DELIVERED, DEFENDED
(Deu 33:29 KJV)
Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee,
O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency!
and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.
ENEMIES-HEB ADVERSARIES, THOSE THAT HATE ME
(Lev 26:16-17 KJV)
I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption,
and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart:
and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.
{17} And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies:
they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
GOD REVEALS HIMSELF AS SAVIOUR
(Isa 19:19-20 KJV)
In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt,
and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD.
{20} And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt:
for they shall cry unto the LORD because of the oppressors,
and he shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them.
(Isa 43:2-5 KJV)
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:
when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
{3} For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour:
I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
{4} Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee:
therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
{5} Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;
(Isa 43:10-13 KJV)
Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen:
that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he:
before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
{11} I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
{12} I have declared, and have saved, and I have showed, when there was no strange god among you:
therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.
{13} Yea, before the day was I am he;
and there is none that can deliver out of my hand:
I will work, and who shall let it {Heb=turn it back}?
(Isa 45:15-19 KJV)
Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour.
{16} They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them:
they shall go to confusion together that are makers of idols.
{17} But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation:
ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.
{18} For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it;
he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited:
I am the LORD; and there is none else.
{19} I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth:
I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain:
(Isa 45:21-24 KJV)
Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together:
who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD?
and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.
{22} Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
{23} I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return,
That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
{24} Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength:
even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.
(Isa 63:8-9 KJV)
For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour.
{9} In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them:
in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;
and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.
For further study, Check out these archives of past devotionals:
(Note: the devotionals may be under the headings of "discussions" "files" or "pages" )
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive-part-2?msg=new&lnk=gcis&hl=en
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive/web?hl=en
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive/web
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-archives-part-3/
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive-4
IXTHEUS CHRISTIAN GROWTH DEVOTIONALS
ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE
(but not necessarily free of COST)
Feel free to redistribute these materials to whomever you want.
Please submit all questions, comments, suggestions,
or REQUESTS FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS to ixtheus@execpc.com
Request a free email copy of my evangelistic presentation:
"The God Who is Really There" from ixtheus@execpc.com
BBD#1e
(2 Sam 22:2-4 KJV)
And he said, The LORD is my ROCK, and my FORTRESS, and my DELIVERER;
{3} The God of my ROCK; in him will I TRUST: he is my SHIELD and the HORN of my SALVATION,
my HIGH TOWER, and my REFUGE, my SAVIOUR; thou savest me from VIOLENCE.
{4} I will CALL on the LORD, who is WORTHY TO BE PRAISED: so shall I be SAVED from mine ENEMIES.
DEFINITIONS FROM 2 Sam 22:2-4ROCK-HEB= A LOFTY STRONGHOLD
(Deu 32:3-4 KJV)
Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.
{4} He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment:
a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
(Psa 18:2-3 KJV)
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
my God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
{3} I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised:
so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
FORTRESS-HEB= A CASTLE, A DEFENSE, A STRONGHOLD, A NET FOR CAPTURE (OF OUR ENEMIES)
(Psa 71:3-4 KJV)
Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort:
thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.
{4} Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked,
out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
DELIVER(ER)-HEB=TO SLIP OUT, ESCAPE, BE DELIVERED, BE CARRIED AWAY AND BE SAFE
(Psa 70:5 KJV)
But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: t
hou art my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying.
(Psa 71:1-3 KJV)
In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.
{2} Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.
{3} Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort:
thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.
ROCK- HEB= A CLIFF OR SHARP ROCK, A PRECIPICE, A ROCK OR BOULDER
(Deu 32:3-4 KJV)
Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.
{4} He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment:
a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
(Exo 17:6 KJV)
Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb;
and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink.
And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
TRUST- HEB= TO FLEE FOR REFUGE OR PROTECTION
(2 Sam 22:31-33 KJV)
As for God, his way is perfect;
the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.
{32} For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God?
{33} God is my strength and power: And he maketh my way perfect.
SHIELD- HEB= A SMALL SHIELD OR BUCKLER, LIKE THE SCALY HIDE OF A CROCIDILE
(Deu 33:29 KJV)
Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD,
the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency!
and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee;
and thou shalt tread upon their high places.
HORN- HEB= A PROJECTING, AS AN ELEPHANT'S TUSK OR A TRUMPET; A RAY OF LIGHT, POWER
(1 Sam 2:10 KJV)
The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces;
out of heaven shall he thunder upon them:
the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth;
and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.
SALVATION-HEB=LIBERTY, DELIVERANCE, PROSPERITY
(Exo 14:13-14 KJV)
And Moses said unto the people,
Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will show to you to day: f
or the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
{14} The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
HIGH TOWER- HEB= LOFTY OR INACCESSIBLE PLACE
(Gen 11:4-5 KJV)
And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven;
and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
{5} And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.
REFUGE-HEB= A FLEEING, A PLACE OF ESCAPE, A WAY TO FLEE
(Num 35:11-12 KJV)
Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you;
that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.
{12} And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger;
that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.
SAVIOUR-HEB= TO CAUSE TO BE FREE, TO AVENGE OR DELIVER, TO DEFEND
(Isa 43:11-13 KJV)
I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
{12} I have declared, and have saved, and I have showed, when there was no strange god among you:
therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.
{13} Yea, before the day was I am he;
and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?
VIOLENCE- HEB=UNJUST DAMAGE, OPPRESSION, VIOLENCE.
(Gen 6:11-12 KJV)
The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
{12} And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt;
for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
CALL ON - HEB=CALL OUT BY NAME
(Gen 4:26 KJV)
And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos:
then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.
WORTHY- TO BE PRAISED HEB= WORTHY TO BE PRAISED
(1 Chr 16:23-26 KJV)
Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; show forth from day to day his salvation.
{24} Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.
{25} For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods.
{26} For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
SAVED- HEB=MADE SAFE, DELIVERED, DEFENDED
(Deu 33:29 KJV)
Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee,
O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency!
and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.
ENEMIES-HEB ADVERSARIES, THOSE THAT HATE ME
(Lev 26:16-17 KJV)
I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption,
and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart:
and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.
{17} And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies:
they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
GOD REVEALS HIMSELF AS SAVIOUR
(Isa 19:19-20 KJV)
In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt,
and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD.
{20} And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt:
for they shall cry unto the LORD because of the oppressors,
and he shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them.
(Isa 43:2-5 KJV)
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:
when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
{3} For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour:
I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
{4} Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee:
therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
{5} Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;
(Isa 43:10-13 KJV)
Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen:
that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he:
before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
{11} I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
{12} I have declared, and have saved, and I have showed, when there was no strange god among you:
therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.
{13} Yea, before the day was I am he;
and there is none that can deliver out of my hand:
I will work, and who shall let it {Heb=turn it back}?
(Isa 45:15-19 KJV)
Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour.
{16} They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them:
they shall go to confusion together that are makers of idols.
{17} But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation:
ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.
{18} For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it;
he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited:
I am the LORD; and there is none else.
{19} I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth:
I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain:
(Isa 45:21-24 KJV)
Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together:
who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD?
and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.
{22} Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
{23} I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return,
That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
{24} Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength:
even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.
(Isa 63:8-9 KJV)
For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour.
{9} In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them:
in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;
and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.
For further study, Check out these archives of past devotionals:
(Note: the devotionals may be under the headings of "discussions" "files" or "pages" )
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive-part-2?msg=new&lnk=gcis&hl=en
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive/web?hl=en
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive/web
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-archives-part-3/
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive-4
IXTHEUS CHRISTIAN GROWTH DEVOTIONALS
ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE
(but not necessarily free of COST)
Feel free to redistribute these materials to whomever you want.
Please submit all questions, comments, suggestions,
or REQUESTS FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS to ixtheus@execpc.com
Request a free email copy of my evangelistic presentation:
"The God Who is Really There" from ixtheus@execpc.com
Creamy Potato Salad
Creamy Potato Salad
Created by The MDM Team, Saturday, October 27, 2007
When you're in the mood for a traditional version of creamy, dreamy potato salad, this is your recipe. It's great for picnics, cookouts or whatever else is on the agenda.
Ingredients
2 large potatoes
2 egg yolks
1 tbsp. mustard
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. salt
1 tbsp. vinegar
2 cups canola oil or Soya oil or corn oil
6 tbsp. peas
6 tbsp. white beans
6 tbsp. corn kernels
2 carrots
6 pickles
Methods/steps
Boil the potatoes until tender and take the skin off. While they are still hot, mash them with a fork and add 2 tbsp. from the oil.
Let the potatoes to cool.
Using the handle - mixer, mix all the ingredients. After using all the oil the salad has the texture of mayonnaise.
Let it rest at the fridge for 2-3 hours.
Boil the peas, the beans, the carrots (cut in pieces) and the corn kernels. When they are done, mix them with the salad.
Let cool 2 at least hours at fridge.
Cooling time is not included.
Created by The MDM Team, Saturday, October 27, 2007
When you're in the mood for a traditional version of creamy, dreamy potato salad, this is your recipe. It's great for picnics, cookouts or whatever else is on the agenda.
Ingredients
2 large potatoes
2 egg yolks
1 tbsp. mustard
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. salt
1 tbsp. vinegar
2 cups canola oil or Soya oil or corn oil
6 tbsp. peas
6 tbsp. white beans
6 tbsp. corn kernels
2 carrots
6 pickles
Methods/steps
Boil the potatoes until tender and take the skin off. While they are still hot, mash them with a fork and add 2 tbsp. from the oil.
Let the potatoes to cool.
Using the handle - mixer, mix all the ingredients. After using all the oil the salad has the texture of mayonnaise.
Let it rest at the fridge for 2-3 hours.
Boil the peas, the beans, the carrots (cut in pieces) and the corn kernels. When they are done, mix them with the salad.
Let cool 2 at least hours at fridge.
Cooling time is not included.
August 23, 2009
Rock Bottom?
God isn't alarmed
when we hit rock bottom.
He made the rock.
There are times in our lives
when we feel there is no way
up or out.
Poverty. Confusion.
Loneliness. Desperation.
They take us to the place
called "rock bottom."
In these times
you may feel weak
and vulnerable,
and it is easy to lose faith
in you ability to go on.
It is exactly in these times
that you must turn
to the infinite power
within yourself.
You must know that
the answer is exactly
where you are.
The strength you need,
the answer you want,
the solution that
will turn the situation around
is you.
If you can put aside
the anger,
fear, weakness,
and desperation
for just a minute
you will remember
the "other times"
you were at the bottom
and how in a moment,
miraculously, you were lifted up.
There is no spot
where God is not.
when we hit rock bottom.
He made the rock.
There are times in our lives
when we feel there is no way
up or out.
Poverty. Confusion.
Loneliness. Desperation.
They take us to the place
called "rock bottom."
In these times
you may feel weak
and vulnerable,
and it is easy to lose faith
in you ability to go on.
It is exactly in these times
that you must turn
to the infinite power
within yourself.
You must know that
the answer is exactly
where you are.
The strength you need,
the answer you want,
the solution that
will turn the situation around
is you.
If you can put aside
the anger,
fear, weakness,
and desperation
for just a minute
you will remember
the "other times"
you were at the bottom
and how in a moment,
miraculously, you were lifted up.
There is no spot
where God is not.
Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
OLIVE GARDEN ALFREDO SAUCE
Ingredients:
1 pint of Heavy Cream
1 stick of butter
2 Tbsp. Cream Cheese
1/2 - 3/4 C. Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. Garlic powder
Preparation:
In a saucepan combine butter,
heavy cream, and cream cheese.
Simmer this until all is melted,
and mixed well.
Add the Parmesan cheese and Garlic powder.
Simmer this for 15 - 20 minutes on low.
You may wish to season
with a little salt and pepper.
I have done this with half and half,
but we prefer the heavy cream.
But I wouldn't try it with plain milk.
Ingredients:
1 pint of Heavy Cream
1 stick of butter
2 Tbsp. Cream Cheese
1/2 - 3/4 C. Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. Garlic powder
Preparation:
In a saucepan combine butter,
heavy cream, and cream cheese.
Simmer this until all is melted,
and mixed well.
Add the Parmesan cheese and Garlic powder.
Simmer this for 15 - 20 minutes on low.
You may wish to season
with a little salt and pepper.
I have done this with half and half,
but we prefer the heavy cream.
But I wouldn't try it with plain milk.
Sunday - Prayer of the Evening
GOD IS YOUR REFUGE
"There is no one like God, who rides on the heavens
To help you and on the clouds in His Majesty.
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath
Are the everlasting arms...Blessed are you,
O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord?
He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword"
DEUTERONOMY 33:26-29
What an amazing picture! God rides on the heavens to help you. He is your refuge. His arms are holding you up, no matter how heavy the load, how difficult your circumstances, or how strong your fears. God not only fight for you but also provides you with safe refuge. He actually fights in your place while you rest in the safety He gives. He shields you, saves you, and gains victory for you.
As you pray, ask God to show you how this passage applies to your life right now. Think of the specific challenges you face. Picture yourself in His loving protection as He fights your battles for you. Don't try to face your challenges alone. God doesn't want that. He is grieved because you are not allowing Him to do all that He longs to do, He is grieved because you make yourself more vulnerable to Satan's attack. Every time you ask God for help, He will rush to your side, and the enemy will be forced to flee from you.
AMEN
"There is no one like God, who rides on the heavens
To help you and on the clouds in His Majesty.
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath
Are the everlasting arms...Blessed are you,
O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord?
He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword"
DEUTERONOMY 33:26-29
What an amazing picture! God rides on the heavens to help you. He is your refuge. His arms are holding you up, no matter how heavy the load, how difficult your circumstances, or how strong your fears. God not only fight for you but also provides you with safe refuge. He actually fights in your place while you rest in the safety He gives. He shields you, saves you, and gains victory for you.
As you pray, ask God to show you how this passage applies to your life right now. Think of the specific challenges you face. Picture yourself in His loving protection as He fights your battles for you. Don't try to face your challenges alone. God doesn't want that. He is grieved because you are not allowing Him to do all that He longs to do, He is grieved because you make yourself more vulnerable to Satan's attack. Every time you ask God for help, He will rush to your side, and the enemy will be forced to flee from you.
AMEN
Verse of the Day for August 23, 2009
Verse of the Day for August 23, 2009
Matthew 5:13-15
[Jesus says,] "You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? …You are the light of the world -- like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light under a basket!" (NLT)
Meditation
Salt is useful; it preserves and flavors food. Light is needed by all; without light, there is chaos. You, as a believer, are needed desperately by this world. How have you become salt and light for the world?
Sunday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration - "Capable"
Week of August 23
Capable
"The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights." Habakkuk 3:19
Despite whatever assignment the Lord sends us on, He makes us capable to thrive amid any circumstance to fulfill His purpose.
Consider Amos. The Bible says, "Amos was a herdsman from the small town of Tekoa; he was not a man of the court like Isaiah, or a priest like Jeremiah. Though he lived in Judah, he was sent to announce God's judgment on the northern kingdom (Israel)."
Imagine being a simple man like Amos and being chosen by God to deliver messages of judgment to priests and kings? How many of us would have the natural confidence to go from the prairie to the palace? (Amos 7:13)
If we are willing to receive them, God will assign us missions to carry out that are bigger than ourselves, ones that require great faith and a big God to complete. But we must trust the power of God.
The very word "capable" means to possess the qualities needed to do a particular thing well; to have the legal competency, ability or legal power to do something. "Capable" is from the Latin word "capere," which means "to take" or "able to take in."
When we break it down, we see that two words make up the word "capable"--"cap" and "able." The word "able" means to be positioned to do something. And the word "cap" means to cover, surpass and complete something. As Christians, with God as our covering, Jesus residing in us and the Holy Spirit guiding us, we are able to complete divine missions on high levels--even ones that will change the course of nations--if we are in position to receive them.
In the case of Amos, God empowered (or made capable) Amos for the purpose of restoring social justice and righteousness to Israel. Although Amos did not consider himself to be a seer prophet (Amos 7:14), God enabled him to see visions and prophesy. The Bible describes Amos as a "vigorous spokesman." Amos was "able to take in" God's visions and speak them out in citadels with great confidence. This simple herdsman and fig farmer was fortified, covered and obedient.
Amos had great faith, which propelled him throughout his great assignment, above his usual position and beyond his usual work environment.
How is God using you? Has He sent you out on any special assignments lately? Would you be willing to go if He spoke to you amid your prairie existence?
The Christian life should be an adventure--full of the unknown, relying upon God to cover and complete us and His missions. Do we have great faith? Are we in position? Are we capable?
Margaret D. Mitchell is the Founder of God's Love at Work, a marketplace outreach purposed to share God's greatest power source - the love of Christ. Check out the God's Love at Work 2009 Women's Conference & Expo [http://www.godsloveatwork.com/2009womensexpo] in the Atlanta area on Saturday, November 7.
Capable
"The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights." Habakkuk 3:19
Despite whatever assignment the Lord sends us on, He makes us capable to thrive amid any circumstance to fulfill His purpose.
Consider Amos. The Bible says, "Amos was a herdsman from the small town of Tekoa; he was not a man of the court like Isaiah, or a priest like Jeremiah. Though he lived in Judah, he was sent to announce God's judgment on the northern kingdom (Israel)."
Imagine being a simple man like Amos and being chosen by God to deliver messages of judgment to priests and kings? How many of us would have the natural confidence to go from the prairie to the palace? (Amos 7:13)
If we are willing to receive them, God will assign us missions to carry out that are bigger than ourselves, ones that require great faith and a big God to complete. But we must trust the power of God.
The very word "capable" means to possess the qualities needed to do a particular thing well; to have the legal competency, ability or legal power to do something. "Capable" is from the Latin word "capere," which means "to take" or "able to take in."
When we break it down, we see that two words make up the word "capable"--"cap" and "able." The word "able" means to be positioned to do something. And the word "cap" means to cover, surpass and complete something. As Christians, with God as our covering, Jesus residing in us and the Holy Spirit guiding us, we are able to complete divine missions on high levels--even ones that will change the course of nations--if we are in position to receive them.
In the case of Amos, God empowered (or made capable) Amos for the purpose of restoring social justice and righteousness to Israel. Although Amos did not consider himself to be a seer prophet (Amos 7:14), God enabled him to see visions and prophesy. The Bible describes Amos as a "vigorous spokesman." Amos was "able to take in" God's visions and speak them out in citadels with great confidence. This simple herdsman and fig farmer was fortified, covered and obedient.
Amos had great faith, which propelled him throughout his great assignment, above his usual position and beyond his usual work environment.
How is God using you? Has He sent you out on any special assignments lately? Would you be willing to go if He spoke to you amid your prairie existence?
The Christian life should be an adventure--full of the unknown, relying upon God to cover and complete us and His missions. Do we have great faith? Are we in position? Are we capable?
Margaret D. Mitchell is the Founder of God's Love at Work, a marketplace outreach purposed to share God's greatest power source - the love of Christ. Check out the God's Love at Work 2009 Women's Conference & Expo [http://www.godsloveatwork.com/2009womensexpo] in the Atlanta area on Saturday, November 7.
Sunday - The Sayings of Jesus
John 13:6-20
6) He came to Simon Peter; and Peter said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" 7) Jesus answered him, " What I am doing you do not know now, but afterward you will understand." 8) Peter said to him, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, " If I do not wash you, you have no part in me." 9) Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" 10) Jesus said to him, " He who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but he is clean all over; and you are clean, but not every one of you." 11) For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, " You are not all clean." 12) When he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and resumed his place, he said to them, " Do you know what I have done to you? 13) You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 14) If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15) For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16) Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17) If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18) I am not speaking of you all; I know whom I have chosen; it is that the scripture may be fulfilled, `He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' 19) I tell you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he.20) Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives any one whom I send receives me; and he who receives me receives him who sent me."
6) He came to Simon Peter; and Peter said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" 7) Jesus answered him, " What I am doing you do not know now, but afterward you will understand." 8) Peter said to him, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, " If I do not wash you, you have no part in me." 9) Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" 10) Jesus said to him, " He who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but he is clean all over; and you are clean, but not every one of you." 11) For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, " You are not all clean." 12) When he had washed their feet, and taken his garments, and resumed his place, he said to them, " Do you know what I have done to you? 13) You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 14) If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15) For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16) Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17) If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18) I am not speaking of you all; I know whom I have chosen; it is that the scripture may be fulfilled, `He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' 19) I tell you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he.20) Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives any one whom I send receives me; and he who receives me receives him who sent me."
August 22, 2009
Verse of the Day for August 22, 2009
Verse of the Day for August 22, 2009
Proverbs 6:6-8
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. (NIV)
Meditation
Self-discipline is the ability to voluntarily forego gratification in the present so as to maximize it in the future. What do you want in the future that will require a sacrifice in the present?
Proverbs 6:6-8
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. (NIV)
Meditation
Self-discipline is the ability to voluntarily forego gratification in the present so as to maximize it in the future. What do you want in the future that will require a sacrifice in the present?
Saturday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration - "Workaholics"
August 22-23, 2009
Workaholics
by Charles R. Swindoll
Psalm 90:12
Strange creatures roam the land these days. Being efficient, diligent, and productive, they are remarkably impressive . . . but beneath the surface they are suffering from a miserable malady. Compulsively driven with an obsessive desire to achieve, these creatures give themselves to labor like alcoholics give themselves to booze.
Workaholics. You will find them in every imaginable occupation, and unfortunately, they are usually successful. I say "unfortunately" because success only increases their drive. In sales, they are always at the top. In school, they are always in the books. In sports, they are always in the lead. In subjects, they are always in the know. To these creatures there is one and only one reason for existence---WORK.
This applies even to vacations! Give a workaholic an opportunity to get away for a few days and he will find a dozen logical reasons why it isn't possible. Force him to do so and he will wear himself down planning out each day, each mile, each step of the trip. Once there, he will begin to feel anxious after ten minutes of quiet relaxation. To the workaholic, unplanned moments are lethal . . . rest is senseless . . . enjoyable fun times are "irresponsible activities for children!" With a long, stinging whip, guilt---the inner taskmaster of the workaholic---pounds him into daily submission, whether he is at work, at home, at church, or at school.
This creature finally begins to show the cracks of his stress-ridden conscience. He becomes increasingly more demanding of himself and others---especially those nearest him. This neurotic intolerance slowly begins to isolate him. Muscular tics appear. His smile erodes into a frown. Performance and greater achievement become his security . . . and any setback or failure fractures his equilibrium.
As I write this I think of the need for balance. A measure of efficiency and discipline in life is absolutely healthy and necessary. Being faithful and dedicated to our work is commendable. "Redeeming the time" is biblical. But there is a point where we no longer enjoy ourselves. We can go to strange extremes---extremes that create inner functional disorders which turn us into slaves. We find ourselves blinded to other areas of life which are just as significant as our work---sometimes more! Harold R. Nelson, director of the Department of Pastoral Care at the Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, describes this tendency that gives birth to workaholics:
All of us have our own ways of hating or degrading ourselves. You may do it by being a hard-working perfectionist, and I may do it by being a disorganized, lazy nonconformist. If all you know is "work and achieve," you may be consciously or unconsciously trying to prove your worth to yourself and others.
Well, let's discover if you are one of these strange creatures, okay? The following chart should help you determine the answer. Numbers one and two pretty well describe a workaholic. Number three is fairly well balanced. Numbers four and five---you've got other problems, but you are definitely not a workaholic.
Quality of Work
1) Leaps tall buildings with a single bound.
2) Must take a running start to leap over buildings.
3) Can leap over only short buildings.
4) Crashes into building when attempting to leap.
5) Cannot recognize buildings at all.
Timeliness
1) Is faster than a speeding bullet.
2) Is as fast as a speeding bullet.
3) Not quite as fast as a speeding bullet.
4) Would you believe a slow bullet?
5) Wounds self with bullet when attempting to fire.
Initiative
1) Is stronger than a locomotive.
2) Is stronger than a bull elephant.
3) Is strong as a bull.
4) Shoots the bull.
5) Smells like a bull.
Communication
1) Talks with God directly.
2) Talks with angels.
3) Talks to himself.
4) Argues with himself.
5) Loses those arguments.
Excerpted from 'Come Before Winter' and 'Share My Hope', Copyright © 1985, 1994 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
Workaholics
by Charles R. Swindoll
Psalm 90:12
Strange creatures roam the land these days. Being efficient, diligent, and productive, they are remarkably impressive . . . but beneath the surface they are suffering from a miserable malady. Compulsively driven with an obsessive desire to achieve, these creatures give themselves to labor like alcoholics give themselves to booze.
Workaholics. You will find them in every imaginable occupation, and unfortunately, they are usually successful. I say "unfortunately" because success only increases their drive. In sales, they are always at the top. In school, they are always in the books. In sports, they are always in the lead. In subjects, they are always in the know. To these creatures there is one and only one reason for existence---WORK.
This applies even to vacations! Give a workaholic an opportunity to get away for a few days and he will find a dozen logical reasons why it isn't possible. Force him to do so and he will wear himself down planning out each day, each mile, each step of the trip. Once there, he will begin to feel anxious after ten minutes of quiet relaxation. To the workaholic, unplanned moments are lethal . . . rest is senseless . . . enjoyable fun times are "irresponsible activities for children!" With a long, stinging whip, guilt---the inner taskmaster of the workaholic---pounds him into daily submission, whether he is at work, at home, at church, or at school.
This creature finally begins to show the cracks of his stress-ridden conscience. He becomes increasingly more demanding of himself and others---especially those nearest him. This neurotic intolerance slowly begins to isolate him. Muscular tics appear. His smile erodes into a frown. Performance and greater achievement become his security . . . and any setback or failure fractures his equilibrium.
As I write this I think of the need for balance. A measure of efficiency and discipline in life is absolutely healthy and necessary. Being faithful and dedicated to our work is commendable. "Redeeming the time" is biblical. But there is a point where we no longer enjoy ourselves. We can go to strange extremes---extremes that create inner functional disorders which turn us into slaves. We find ourselves blinded to other areas of life which are just as significant as our work---sometimes more! Harold R. Nelson, director of the Department of Pastoral Care at the Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, describes this tendency that gives birth to workaholics:
All of us have our own ways of hating or degrading ourselves. You may do it by being a hard-working perfectionist, and I may do it by being a disorganized, lazy nonconformist. If all you know is "work and achieve," you may be consciously or unconsciously trying to prove your worth to yourself and others.
Well, let's discover if you are one of these strange creatures, okay? The following chart should help you determine the answer. Numbers one and two pretty well describe a workaholic. Number three is fairly well balanced. Numbers four and five---you've got other problems, but you are definitely not a workaholic.
Quality of Work
1) Leaps tall buildings with a single bound.
2) Must take a running start to leap over buildings.
3) Can leap over only short buildings.
4) Crashes into building when attempting to leap.
5) Cannot recognize buildings at all.
Timeliness
1) Is faster than a speeding bullet.
2) Is as fast as a speeding bullet.
3) Not quite as fast as a speeding bullet.
4) Would you believe a slow bullet?
5) Wounds self with bullet when attempting to fire.
Initiative
1) Is stronger than a locomotive.
2) Is stronger than a bull elephant.
3) Is strong as a bull.
4) Shoots the bull.
5) Smells like a bull.
Communication
1) Talks with God directly.
2) Talks with angels.
3) Talks to himself.
4) Argues with himself.
5) Loses those arguments.
Excerpted from 'Come Before Winter' and 'Share My Hope', Copyright © 1985, 1994 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
Saturday - The Sayings of Jesus
Luke 22:66-71
66) When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes; and they led him away to their council, and they said, 67) "If you are the Christ, tell us." But he said to them, " If I tell you, you will not believe; 68) and if I ask you, you will not answer. 69) But from now on the Son of man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God." 70) And they all said, "Are you the Son of God, then?" And he said to them, " You say that I am." 71) And they said, "What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips."
66) When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes; and they led him away to their council, and they said, 67) "If you are the Christ, tell us." But he said to them, " If I tell you, you will not believe; 68) and if I ask you, you will not answer. 69) But from now on the Son of man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God." 70) And they all said, "Are you the Son of God, then?" And he said to them, " You say that I am." 71) And they said, "What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips."
August 21, 2009
My new AVON page link :) YAY!
http://www.youravon.com/psherer
Look around, buy online... if you need help, let me know!
I am very excited about being with Avon again! If you'd like to become a Rep in your area, just let me know!
Have a great day!
Phyllis Adelle
Look around, buy online... if you need help, let me know!
I am very excited about being with Avon again! If you'd like to become a Rep in your area, just let me know!
Have a great day!
Phyllis Adelle
I'm getting my new Avon site ready :)
I can't wait to share all of Avon's up-to-date products and ordering with you folks! I sold Avon years ago when I was a young adult, going door-to-door. Now that Avon has been online for a while and is established (got all the bugs out), I've decided to join them again. I'm enrolled through a friend here in SC and she'll help me get started, and then I'm going to do my best to rise up in the ranks! I hope you will be a customer of mine. Anything I can do for you to help, just ask! I'll let you know when my site is ready!Have an awesome weekend!
August 20, 2009
Pineapple Rice
Pineapple Rice
Makes: 6 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Sunday, December 9, 2007
This rice recipe will be the pineapple of your eye. With a mid-Eastern influence, it goes against the grain of boring rice dishes. Serve with chicken, fish or lamb.
Ingredients
1 cup brown rice
2 tsp. oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tsp. grated fresh ginger
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/2 cups water
1 cup pineapple chunks
1/4 cup chopped scallions
1/2 cup chopped cashews
Methods/steps
In a medium saucepan with a tight fitting lid, combine the rice, oil, garlic, ginger, turmeric and salt. Saute for a minute or two, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Add the water and bring to a boil. When the water boils, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for about 45 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Stir in the pineapple, scallions and cashews.
Makes: 6 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Sunday, December 9, 2007
This rice recipe will be the pineapple of your eye. With a mid-Eastern influence, it goes against the grain of boring rice dishes. Serve with chicken, fish or lamb.
Ingredients
1 cup brown rice
2 tsp. oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tsp. grated fresh ginger
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. salt
2 1/2 cups water
1 cup pineapple chunks
1/4 cup chopped scallions
1/2 cup chopped cashews
Methods/steps
In a medium saucepan with a tight fitting lid, combine the rice, oil, garlic, ginger, turmeric and salt. Saute for a minute or two, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Add the water and bring to a boil. When the water boils, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for about 45 minutes, until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Stir in the pineapple, scallions and cashews.
Blueberry Buckle Muffins
Blueberry Buckle Muffins...yum
Ingredients:
Batter -
1/4 cup butter, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 t vanilla extract
2 cups flour
2 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
2 cups blueberries, stemmed and rinsed
Topping-
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, room temperature
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a 12 cup muffin tin with baking cups. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs, then the milk and vanilla.
Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium sized bowl. Pour the dry ingredients over the wet ingredients and stir well, being careful not to overmix. Use a spatula to fold in the berries. Spoon the batter into the muffin tin filling each cup about three quarters full.
Make the crumb topping by stirring together the sugar, flour and cinnamon in a small bowl. Using your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes (or 15 minutes for mini muffins) or until they are lightly brown and a knife inserted in the middle of one comes out clean. Cool in tin for 15 to 30 minutes before serving. If you don’t, you risk some of the delicious buckle topping coming off. Then simply pretend it’s breakfast time, despite the hour, and enjoy with coffee.
Ingredients:
Batter -
1/4 cup butter, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 t vanilla extract
2 cups flour
2 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
2 cups blueberries, stemmed and rinsed
Topping-
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, room temperature
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a 12 cup muffin tin with baking cups. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs, then the milk and vanilla.
Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium sized bowl. Pour the dry ingredients over the wet ingredients and stir well, being careful not to overmix. Use a spatula to fold in the berries. Spoon the batter into the muffin tin filling each cup about three quarters full.
Make the crumb topping by stirring together the sugar, flour and cinnamon in a small bowl. Using your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes (or 15 minutes for mini muffins) or until they are lightly brown and a knife inserted in the middle of one comes out clean. Cool in tin for 15 to 30 minutes before serving. If you don’t, you risk some of the delicious buckle topping coming off. Then simply pretend it’s breakfast time, despite the hour, and enjoy with coffee.
Potato-Rosemary-Crusted Fish Fillets
Potato-Rosemary-Crusted Fish Fillets
2 Servings
This simple fish dish is quite elegant with its subtle flavor of rosemary. Don't worry about a few shreds of potato that remain in the skillet. Serve them over the fish. Pair this entrée with steamed asparagus and a large green salad with tomatoes.
Ingredients:
12 ounces thick fish fillet, such as cod or halibut, cut in half
1 small potato, about 5 ounces
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves, crushed
1 tablespoon quality extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions:
1. Rinse the fish under cold running water and pat dry. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Peel the potato and grate on the large holes of a grater. Squeeze excess water out of potato by pressing between sheets of paper towel.
3. Season the potato with salt, pepper and rosemary and press it around the fish.
4. Heat a nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Gently slide the fish into the pan. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Turn fish over, using two spatulas, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes more or until potatoes are golden and fish is done.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
307 calories
12 g total fat (2 g sat)
13 mg cholesterol
13 g carbohydrate
34 g protein
1 g fiber
150 mg sodium
- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
2 Servings
This simple fish dish is quite elegant with its subtle flavor of rosemary. Don't worry about a few shreds of potato that remain in the skillet. Serve them over the fish. Pair this entrée with steamed asparagus and a large green salad with tomatoes.
Ingredients:
12 ounces thick fish fillet, such as cod or halibut, cut in half
1 small potato, about 5 ounces
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves, crushed
1 tablespoon quality extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions:
1. Rinse the fish under cold running water and pat dry. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Peel the potato and grate on the large holes of a grater. Squeeze excess water out of potato by pressing between sheets of paper towel.
3. Season the potato with salt, pepper and rosemary and press it around the fish.
4. Heat a nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Gently slide the fish into the pan. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Turn fish over, using two spatulas, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes more or until potatoes are golden and fish is done.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
307 calories
12 g total fat (2 g sat)
13 mg cholesterol
13 g carbohydrate
34 g protein
1 g fiber
150 mg sodium
- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
Thursday - The Sayings of Jesus
Matthew 28:1-20
1) Now after the sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Mag'dalene and the other Mary went to see the sepulchre. 2) And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. 3) His appearance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. 4) And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5) But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6) He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7) Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. Lo, I have told you." 8) So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9) And behold, Jesus met them and said, " Hail!" And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10) Then Jesus said to them, " Do not be afraid; go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see me." 16) Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17) And when they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18) And Jesus came and said to them, " All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20) teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."
1) Now after the sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Mag'dalene and the other Mary went to see the sepulchre. 2) And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. 3) His appearance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. 4) And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5) But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6) He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7) Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. Lo, I have told you." 8) So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9) And behold, Jesus met them and said, " Hail!" And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10) Then Jesus said to them, " Do not be afraid; go and tell my brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see me." 16) Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17) And when they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18) And Jesus came and said to them, " All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20) teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."
Thursday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration - "The Child's Calling"
August 20, 2009
The Child's Calling by Hännah Schlaudt, Crosswalk.com Editorial Assistant
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." -- Matthew 18:1-4, ESV
I've never understood this passage better than since I met Aiden. Aiden is almost three, but because he has Down's Syndrome, he functions mentally and physically more like an 18-month old. With a stumping toddle, a baby-belly, and thick glasses, he looks like a wee old man -- until he howls with laughter and steals my heart again.
This winter, a friend's struggle with depression was encapsulated when he said: "All I know is that I've never felt so old." I've noticed this too. When I'm striving to be righteous, when I'm bitter, when grace eludes my sight -- it is then that I feel dry and withered and old. Weariness and discouragement weigh down on the soul.
Aiden intrigues me. He can't really talk yet, but he still earnestly babbles at me with all the inflections and sounds of a conversation. He greets people -- everyone, not just those he knows -- with outstretched arms, a crinkle-faced grin, and "Hiiiii! Hiiiiiiiiiiii!" His siblings and parents get the most tender hugs and kisses from him, and even though I'm just a babysitter, I get my face patted and fierce bear hugs.
Light and music and people are Aiden's favorite things. He dances to DC Talk and Shania Twain with abandon. He laughs until he's nearly in tears over the rainbows cast on the stairs by a chandelier and the afternoon sunlight. And he likes making beards with the bathtub bubbles, just because it makes his sisters giggle.
Delight and trust come easily to this little fellow. He can't understand much, or communicate with folks, but he loves everyone and roars with laughter over the smallest joys. He's only known me a few weeks, but he trusts me. Even when he's being punished for throwing his food, his sunshine joy isn't quenched.
My walk with my Savior ought to be similarly marked, as this passage in Matthew suggests. The humility of a child is in his trust. When I know that I can't do it, when I confess my sin, when I ask the Lord to help me -- then I validate the gospel as I demonstrate my confidence in Jesus. Am I living as I believe he is who he said he is?
My friend's comment about feeling old is true. When I act as if I'm responsible for my standing before God, when I put all my priorities first and forget to ask the Lord what his agenda is, when I refuse forgiveness to another because it's my right -- I'm not faithful to the child's calling. I'm a citizen of the upside-down kingdom of heaven, and if it's true, I have to live it. If God is my Father and Aiden's humble love is my model, then that ancient weariness is broken, and I can walk in the light.
The Child's Calling by Hännah Schlaudt, Crosswalk.com Editorial Assistant
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." -- Matthew 18:1-4, ESV
I've never understood this passage better than since I met Aiden. Aiden is almost three, but because he has Down's Syndrome, he functions mentally and physically more like an 18-month old. With a stumping toddle, a baby-belly, and thick glasses, he looks like a wee old man -- until he howls with laughter and steals my heart again.
This winter, a friend's struggle with depression was encapsulated when he said: "All I know is that I've never felt so old." I've noticed this too. When I'm striving to be righteous, when I'm bitter, when grace eludes my sight -- it is then that I feel dry and withered and old. Weariness and discouragement weigh down on the soul.
Aiden intrigues me. He can't really talk yet, but he still earnestly babbles at me with all the inflections and sounds of a conversation. He greets people -- everyone, not just those he knows -- with outstretched arms, a crinkle-faced grin, and "Hiiiii! Hiiiiiiiiiiii!" His siblings and parents get the most tender hugs and kisses from him, and even though I'm just a babysitter, I get my face patted and fierce bear hugs.
Light and music and people are Aiden's favorite things. He dances to DC Talk and Shania Twain with abandon. He laughs until he's nearly in tears over the rainbows cast on the stairs by a chandelier and the afternoon sunlight. And he likes making beards with the bathtub bubbles, just because it makes his sisters giggle.
Delight and trust come easily to this little fellow. He can't understand much, or communicate with folks, but he loves everyone and roars with laughter over the smallest joys. He's only known me a few weeks, but he trusts me. Even when he's being punished for throwing his food, his sunshine joy isn't quenched.
My walk with my Savior ought to be similarly marked, as this passage in Matthew suggests. The humility of a child is in his trust. When I know that I can't do it, when I confess my sin, when I ask the Lord to help me -- then I validate the gospel as I demonstrate my confidence in Jesus. Am I living as I believe he is who he said he is?
My friend's comment about feeling old is true. When I act as if I'm responsible for my standing before God, when I put all my priorities first and forget to ask the Lord what his agenda is, when I refuse forgiveness to another because it's my right -- I'm not faithful to the child's calling. I'm a citizen of the upside-down kingdom of heaven, and if it's true, I have to live it. If God is my Father and Aiden's humble love is my model, then that ancient weariness is broken, and I can walk in the light.
August 19, 2009
Walking in the Holy Spirit
Walking in the Holy Spirit
BBD# 7F
THE ENTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES AS THE RESULT OF SALVATION.
(Rev 3:19-21 KJV)
(Jesus says), As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
{20} Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:
if any man hear my voice,
and open the door,
I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
{21} To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne,
even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
JESUS COMES TO US NOW IN THE FORM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND LIVES WITHIN US.
(1 Cor 2:16 KJV)
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him?
But we have the mind of Christ.
(Col 1:26-28 KJV)
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations,
but now is made manifest to his saints:
{27} To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles;
which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
{28} Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom;
that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
(John 14:15-21 KJV)
If ye love me, keep my commandments.
{16} And I will pray the Father,
and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
{17} Even the Spirit of truth;
whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him:
but ye know him;
for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
{18} I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
{19} Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more;
but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
{20} At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
{21} He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me:
and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father,
and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
(John 14:22-26 KJV)
Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot,
Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
{23} Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words:
and my Father will love him,
and we will come unto him,
and make our abode [Grk=our contiuous dwelling place} with him.
{24} He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings:
and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
{25} These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
{26} But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name,
he shall teach you all things,
and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
-----------------------------------------
THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR THE BELIEVER
To baptize: Gr.=baptizo, to make thoroughly wet).
(1 Cor. 12:13KJV)
"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body,
whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free;
and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
(Gal. 3:27KJV)
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ
have put on Christ.
(Rom 13:11-14 KJV)
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep:
for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
{12} The night is far spent, the day is at hand:
let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
{13} Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness,
not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
{14} But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
(Rom 6:3-13 KJV)
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
{4} Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:
that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father,
even so we also should walk in newness of life.
{5} For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death,
we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
{6} Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him,
that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
{7} For he that is dead is freed from sin.
{8} Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
{9} Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
{10} For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
{11} Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin,
but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
{12} Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
{13} Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:
but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead,
and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
-----------------------------------------
THE FILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRT
(Eph 5:18-21 KJV)
And be not drunk* with wine, wherein is excess;
but be filled** with the Spirit;
{19} Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
{20} Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
{21} Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
*Drunk- Gr= to drink to the point of intoxication.
**Filled. Gr= to fulfill(as a prophecy is fulfilled); to fill up a valley and make it level, to furnish, make plentifully supplied.
-----------------------------------------
WALKING IN THE SPIRIT
walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh
Walk- Gr=to tread all around, "walk all over the place", walk at large (espec. as proof of ability); fig. to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion), to go, be occupied with, walk (about),
(Gal 5:16-25 KJV)
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
{17} For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh:
and these are contrary the one to the other:
so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
{18} But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
{19} Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;
Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, {20} Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred,
variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
{21} Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:
of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past,
that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
{22} But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, {23} Meekness, temperance:
against such there is no law.
{24} And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
{25} If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
(John 15:4-8 KJV)
Abide in me, and I in you.
As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine;
no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
{5} I am the vine, ye are the branches:
He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit:
for without me ye can do nothing.
{6} If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered;
and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
{7} If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you,
ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
{8} Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit;
so shall ye be my disciples.
{9} As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
{10} If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love;
even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
{11} These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
{12} This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
{13} Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
{14} Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
------------------------------------------
OBEYING THE HOLY SPIRIT
(Rom 6:11-19 KJV)
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin,
but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
{12} Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body,
that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
{13} Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:
but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead,
and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
{14} For sin shall not have dominion over you:
for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
{15} What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace?
God forbid.
{16} Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey,
his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
{17} But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin,
but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
{18} Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
{19} I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh:
for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity;
even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
----------------------------------------------
FOLLOWING THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT...THE SHEKINAH GLORY...BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT
Num 9:17-18 (KJV)
And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle,
then after that the children of Israel journeyed:
and in the place where the cloud abode,
there the children of Israel pitched their tents.
{18} At the commandment of the LORD the children of Israel journeyed,
and at the commandment of the LORD they pitched:
as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents.
Isa 30:21 (KJV)
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying,
This is the way, walk ye in it,
when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
(Rom 8:11-17 KJV)
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you,
he that raised up Christ from the dead
shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
{12} Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
{13} For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die:
but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
{14} For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
{15} For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear;
but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
{16} The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
{17} And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ;
if so be that we suffer with him,
that we may be also glorified together.
------------------------------------------
EXPERIENCING PEACE FROM THE PRESENCE AND FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Col 3:15 (AMPLIFIED BIBLE)
And let the peace(soul harmony which comes) from the Christ
rule(act as umpire continually) in your hearts-
deciding and settling with finality
all questions that arise in your minds-
{in that peaceful state to which as members of Christ's}one body
you were also called to live.
And be thankful, appreciative and giving praise to God always.
James 4:13-16 (KJV)
Go to now, ye that say,
To day or to morrow we will go into such a city,
and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
{14} Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow.
For what is your life? It is even a vapour,
that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
{15} For that ye ought to say,
If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
{16} But now ye rejoice in your boastings:
all such rejoicing is evil.
----------------------------------
QUENCHING THE SPIRIT
The sin of quenching the Holy Spirit. "Quench not the Spirit" (1 Thess. 5:19).This sin involves not doing that which the Holy Spirit would have us do. It is negative in nature. The same word is used elsewhere in reference to the putting out of a fire.
(1 Th 5:19-24 KJV)
Quench not the Spirit.
{20} Despise not prophesyings.
{21} Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
{22} Abstain from all appearance of evil.
{23} And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly;
and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless
unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
{24} Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
---------------------------------------
DO NOT GRIEVE THE HOLY SPIRIT-DO NOT MAKE HIM "SORROWFUL"
(Eph 4:30-32 KJV)
And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God,
whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
{31} Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour,
and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
{32} And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
(Eph 5:1-8 KJV)
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
{2} And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us,
and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
{3} But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness,
let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
{4} Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient:
but rather giving of thanks.
{5} For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater,
hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
{6} Let no man deceive you with vain words:
for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
{7} Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
{8} For ye were sometimes darkness,
but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
(1 Cor 11:31-32 KJV)
For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
{32} But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord,
that we should not be condemned with the world.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
CLEANSING AND RESTORATION BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
God does not demand vessels of silver or gold, but he must have clean ones. Thus the union with the Holy Spirit is so strong that nothing can break it, but the communion with the Spirit is so fragile that the smallest sin can shatter it. The secret of the Spirit-filled life is the knowledge that broken fellowship can be and must be quicly instantly restored by confession of sin through the forgiveness provided by Christ’s blood.
(1 John 1:5-10 KJV)
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you,
that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
{6} If we say that we have fellowship with him,
and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
{7} But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light,
we have fellowship one with another,
and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
{8} If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
{9} If we confess our sins,
he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
{10} If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
(1 John 2:1-5 KJV)
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.
And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
{2} And he is the propitiation for our sins:
and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
{3} And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
{4} He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
{5} But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected:
hereby know we that we are in him.
For further study, Check out these archives of past devotionals:
(Note: the devotionals may be under the headings of "discussions" "files" or "pages" )
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive-part-2?msg=new&lnk=gcis&hl=en
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive/web?hl=en
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive/web
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-archives-part-3/
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive-4
IXTHEUS CHRISTIAN GROWTH DEVOTIONALS
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BBD# 7F
THE ENTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES AS THE RESULT OF SALVATION.
(Rev 3:19-21 KJV)
(Jesus says), As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
{20} Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:
if any man hear my voice,
and open the door,
I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
{21} To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne,
even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
JESUS COMES TO US NOW IN THE FORM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND LIVES WITHIN US.
(1 Cor 2:16 KJV)
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him?
But we have the mind of Christ.
(Col 1:26-28 KJV)
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations,
but now is made manifest to his saints:
{27} To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles;
which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
{28} Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom;
that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
(John 14:15-21 KJV)
If ye love me, keep my commandments.
{16} And I will pray the Father,
and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
{17} Even the Spirit of truth;
whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him:
but ye know him;
for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
{18} I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
{19} Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more;
but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
{20} At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
{21} He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me:
and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father,
and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
(John 14:22-26 KJV)
Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot,
Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
{23} Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words:
and my Father will love him,
and we will come unto him,
and make our abode [Grk=our contiuous dwelling place} with him.
{24} He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings:
and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
{25} These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
{26} But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name,
he shall teach you all things,
and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
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THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR THE BELIEVER
To baptize: Gr.=baptizo, to make thoroughly wet).
(1 Cor. 12:13KJV)
"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body,
whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free;
and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
(Gal. 3:27KJV)
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ
have put on Christ.
(Rom 13:11-14 KJV)
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep:
for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
{12} The night is far spent, the day is at hand:
let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
{13} Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness,
not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
{14} But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
(Rom 6:3-13 KJV)
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
{4} Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:
that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father,
even so we also should walk in newness of life.
{5} For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death,
we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
{6} Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him,
that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
{7} For he that is dead is freed from sin.
{8} Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
{9} Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
{10} For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
{11} Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin,
but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
{12} Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
{13} Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:
but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead,
and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
-----------------------------------------
THE FILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRT
(Eph 5:18-21 KJV)
And be not drunk* with wine, wherein is excess;
but be filled** with the Spirit;
{19} Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
{20} Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
{21} Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
*Drunk- Gr= to drink to the point of intoxication.
**Filled. Gr= to fulfill(as a prophecy is fulfilled); to fill up a valley and make it level, to furnish, make plentifully supplied.
-----------------------------------------
WALKING IN THE SPIRIT
walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh
Walk- Gr=to tread all around, "walk all over the place", walk at large (espec. as proof of ability); fig. to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion), to go, be occupied with, walk (about),
(Gal 5:16-25 KJV)
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
{17} For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh:
and these are contrary the one to the other:
so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
{18} But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
{19} Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;
Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, {20} Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred,
variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
{21} Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:
of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past,
that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
{22} But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, {23} Meekness, temperance:
against such there is no law.
{24} And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
{25} If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
(John 15:4-8 KJV)
Abide in me, and I in you.
As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine;
no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
{5} I am the vine, ye are the branches:
He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit:
for without me ye can do nothing.
{6} If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered;
and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
{7} If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you,
ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
{8} Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit;
so shall ye be my disciples.
{9} As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
{10} If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love;
even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
{11} These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
{12} This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
{13} Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
{14} Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
------------------------------------------
OBEYING THE HOLY SPIRIT
(Rom 6:11-19 KJV)
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin,
but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
{12} Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body,
that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
{13} Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:
but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead,
and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
{14} For sin shall not have dominion over you:
for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
{15} What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace?
God forbid.
{16} Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey,
his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
{17} But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin,
but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
{18} Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
{19} I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh:
for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity;
even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
----------------------------------------------
FOLLOWING THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT...THE SHEKINAH GLORY...BEING LED BY THE SPIRIT
Num 9:17-18 (KJV)
And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle,
then after that the children of Israel journeyed:
and in the place where the cloud abode,
there the children of Israel pitched their tents.
{18} At the commandment of the LORD the children of Israel journeyed,
and at the commandment of the LORD they pitched:
as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents.
Isa 30:21 (KJV)
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying,
This is the way, walk ye in it,
when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
(Rom 8:11-17 KJV)
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you,
he that raised up Christ from the dead
shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
{12} Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
{13} For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die:
but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
{14} For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
{15} For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear;
but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
{16} The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
{17} And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ;
if so be that we suffer with him,
that we may be also glorified together.
------------------------------------------
EXPERIENCING PEACE FROM THE PRESENCE AND FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Col 3:15 (AMPLIFIED BIBLE)
And let the peace(soul harmony which comes) from the Christ
rule(act as umpire continually) in your hearts-
deciding and settling with finality
all questions that arise in your minds-
{in that peaceful state to which as members of Christ's}one body
you were also called to live.
And be thankful, appreciative and giving praise to God always.
James 4:13-16 (KJV)
Go to now, ye that say,
To day or to morrow we will go into such a city,
and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
{14} Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow.
For what is your life? It is even a vapour,
that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
{15} For that ye ought to say,
If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
{16} But now ye rejoice in your boastings:
all such rejoicing is evil.
----------------------------------
QUENCHING THE SPIRIT
The sin of quenching the Holy Spirit. "Quench not the Spirit" (1 Thess. 5:19).This sin involves not doing that which the Holy Spirit would have us do. It is negative in nature. The same word is used elsewhere in reference to the putting out of a fire.
(1 Th 5:19-24 KJV)
Quench not the Spirit.
{20} Despise not prophesyings.
{21} Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
{22} Abstain from all appearance of evil.
{23} And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly;
and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless
unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
{24} Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
---------------------------------------
DO NOT GRIEVE THE HOLY SPIRIT-DO NOT MAKE HIM "SORROWFUL"
(Eph 4:30-32 KJV)
And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God,
whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
{31} Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour,
and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
{32} And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
(Eph 5:1-8 KJV)
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
{2} And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us,
and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
{3} But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness,
let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
{4} Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient:
but rather giving of thanks.
{5} For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater,
hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
{6} Let no man deceive you with vain words:
for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
{7} Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
{8} For ye were sometimes darkness,
but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
(1 Cor 11:31-32 KJV)
For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
{32} But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord,
that we should not be condemned with the world.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
CLEANSING AND RESTORATION BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
God does not demand vessels of silver or gold, but he must have clean ones. Thus the union with the Holy Spirit is so strong that nothing can break it, but the communion with the Spirit is so fragile that the smallest sin can shatter it. The secret of the Spirit-filled life is the knowledge that broken fellowship can be and must be quicly instantly restored by confession of sin through the forgiveness provided by Christ’s blood.
(1 John 1:5-10 KJV)
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you,
that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
{6} If we say that we have fellowship with him,
and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
{7} But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light,
we have fellowship one with another,
and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
{8} If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
{9} If we confess our sins,
he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
{10} If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
(1 John 2:1-5 KJV)
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.
And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
{2} And he is the propitiation for our sins:
and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
{3} And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
{4} He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
{5} But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected:
hereby know we that we are in him.
For further study, Check out these archives of past devotionals:
(Note: the devotionals may be under the headings of "discussions" "files" or "pages" )
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive-part-2?msg=new&lnk=gcis&hl=en
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive/web?hl=en
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive/web
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-archives-part-3/
http://www.groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive-4
IXTHEUS CHRISTIAN GROWTH DEVOTIONALS
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