Prayer to Live With Grace
May we discover through pain and torment,
The strength to live with grace and humor.
May we discover through doubt and anguish,
The strength to live with dignity and holiness.
May we discover through suffering and fear,
The strength to move toward healing.
May it come to pass that we be restored to health and to vigor.
May Life grant us wellness of body, spirit, and mind.
And if this cannot be so, may we find in this transformation and passage
Moments of meaning, opportunities for love
And the deep and gracious calm that comes
When we allow ourselves to move on.
AMEN
September 30, 2009
Verse of the Day for September 30, 2009
Verse of the Day for September 30, 2009
Romans 5:4
And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. (NLT)
Meditation
Do you want to be strong and steady in your faith and hope? What have you learned through the things you've endured?
Romans 5:4
And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. (NLT)
Meditation
Do you want to be strong and steady in your faith and hope? What have you learned through the things you've endured?
Heart-Healthy Garlicky Soup
Heart-Healthy Garlicky Soup
Makes: 6 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Monday, January 14, 2008
Garlic lovers -- you'll be in hog heaven when you sample this gourmet soup. It's a spoonful of goodness that's sure to keep the vampires away.
Ingredients
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
3 tbsp. olive oil
3 yellow onions, peeled, thinly sliced
1 head garlic cloves, separated, smashed,
peeled, finely chopped, about 1/2 cup
4 tsp. dry powdered sage
2 tsp. sugar
1/4 cup of port or red wine
5 cups salt-free canned or homemade chicken stock
Methods/steps
Warm butter and oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown (15 to 20 minutes). Reduce heat, add garlic, sage and sugar and continue to cook on medium-low heat, stirring, until garlic softens (5 to 8 minutes). Add port. Increase heat to high and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to deglaze pan, scraping up the flavorful bits. Add chicken stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 10 more minutes. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Additional Tips
Ready in 50 min
Makes: 6 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Monday, January 14, 2008
Garlic lovers -- you'll be in hog heaven when you sample this gourmet soup. It's a spoonful of goodness that's sure to keep the vampires away.
Ingredients
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
3 tbsp. olive oil
3 yellow onions, peeled, thinly sliced
1 head garlic cloves, separated, smashed,
peeled, finely chopped, about 1/2 cup
4 tsp. dry powdered sage
2 tsp. sugar
1/4 cup of port or red wine
5 cups salt-free canned or homemade chicken stock
Methods/steps
Warm butter and oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown (15 to 20 minutes). Reduce heat, add garlic, sage and sugar and continue to cook on medium-low heat, stirring, until garlic softens (5 to 8 minutes). Add port. Increase heat to high and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to deglaze pan, scraping up the flavorful bits. Add chicken stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 10 more minutes. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Additional Tips
Ready in 50 min
Eggplant Dip
Eggplant Dip
8 Servings
Eggplant Dip has a great texture with a tangy, vinegary, seasoned taste that is mellowed with the pita. I also like to smear the dip inside warm crepes for a different kind of presentation.
Ingredients:
1 eggplant (1 1/2-pounds)
1/2 medium onion, grated or finely chopped
2 tablespoons capers
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup quality extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
4 pitas
1 tomato, peeled, seeded, and diced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Set the eggplant on a baking pan or dish and pierce it a few times with a knife. Bake it until it becomes soft, about 30 minutes; it should pierce easily with a fork. Remove it from the oven and let cool. When completely cooled, peel the skin off and put the flesh into a blender or food processor. Add the onions, capers, and lemon juice. Turn on the machine, then gradually add the olive oil. Continue to blend until the eggplant is smooth and creamy. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the oregano, salt, pepper, and vinegar.
3. Warm the pitas briefly on a baking sheet, then cut each of them into 8 wedges. Arrange them on a plate or platter. Just before serving, stir the tomato and parsley into the dip.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
169 calories
7 g total fat (1 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
23 g carbohydrate
4 g protein
3 g fiber
175 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com.
8 Servings
Eggplant Dip has a great texture with a tangy, vinegary, seasoned taste that is mellowed with the pita. I also like to smear the dip inside warm crepes for a different kind of presentation.
Ingredients:
1 eggplant (1 1/2-pounds)
1/2 medium onion, grated or finely chopped
2 tablespoons capers
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup quality extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
4 pitas
1 tomato, peeled, seeded, and diced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Set the eggplant on a baking pan or dish and pierce it a few times with a knife. Bake it until it becomes soft, about 30 minutes; it should pierce easily with a fork. Remove it from the oven and let cool. When completely cooled, peel the skin off and put the flesh into a blender or food processor. Add the onions, capers, and lemon juice. Turn on the machine, then gradually add the olive oil. Continue to blend until the eggplant is smooth and creamy. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the oregano, salt, pepper, and vinegar.
3. Warm the pitas briefly on a baking sheet, then cut each of them into 8 wedges. Arrange them on a plate or platter. Just before serving, stir the tomato and parsley into the dip.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
169 calories
7 g total fat (1 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
23 g carbohydrate
4 g protein
3 g fiber
175 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com.
Wednesday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
Fantasy or Faithby Berni Dymet
Luke 22:42 Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.
Can I ask you something? When is faith, faith and when is it fantasy? I mean I read my Bible. There's story after story in there about God doing miraculous things. And yet, I've seen people believe God for things and then fall flat on their faces.
I was intrigued by what a real estate agent, John, said to me the other night. He said, "You know, I think that real faith isn't presumptive." And he captured for me in just that one short sentence something that I'd suspected all along.
There's the "name it and claim it" school of faith. Anything I want. Anything. And then, there's the kind of faith that humbly bows down to God in the midst of the mighty storms of life; the faith that perseveres. The faith that rejoices - believing that God knows what He's doing.
The faith that only wants what God wants - not my will but let your will be done. And my hunch is that that's exactly the sort of faith that gets whatever it wants.
For more from Berni Dymet, please visit the Christianity Works web site, or listen to the broadcast at OnePlace.com!Please sign up for the Christianity Works Newsletter here
Wednesday - The Sayings of Jesus
Matthew 9:18-33
18) While he was thus speaking to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, "My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live." 19) And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. 20) And behold, a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment; 21) for she said to herself, "If I only touch his garment, I shall be made well." 22) Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well. 23) And whe n Jesus came to the ruler's house, and saw the flute players, and the crowd making a tumult, 24) he said, "Depart; for the girl is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. 25) But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26) And the report of this went through all that district. 27) And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." 28) When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." 29) Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." 30) And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." 31) But they went away and spread his fame throughout all that district. 32) As they were going way, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to him. 33) And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel."
18) While he was thus speaking to them, behold, a ruler came in and knelt before him, saying, "My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live." 19) And Jesus rose and followed him, with his disciples. 20) And behold, a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment; 21) for she said to herself, "If I only touch his garment, I shall be made well." 22) Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well." And instantly the woman was made well. 23) And whe n Jesus came to the ruler's house, and saw the flute players, and the crowd making a tumult, 24) he said, "Depart; for the girl is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. 25) But when the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26) And the report of this went through all that district. 27) And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." 28) When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." 29) Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." 30) And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." 31) But they went away and spread his fame throughout all that district. 32) As they were going way, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to him. 33) And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel."
September 29, 2009
The Surpassing Majesty of God
The Surpassing Majesty of God
The Lord God Almighty is a Person of unimaginable Power and Greatness. He is a Person of Perfect Holiness, Loving Intentions, and Pure Justice. He is Generous, Wise, Creative, Mathematically Precise. He rules His universe with Dignity and Authority and Autonomy.The fact that He desires to know us and fellowship with us is almost un-explainable; the Fact that He gave His only Son to die on the Cross and save us is almost beyond all understanding...except it is His Choice and His Will to do so. He is a God of Grace (undeserved favor) and Mercy (undeserved kindness and forgiveness) toward us.
Sometimes we get to thinking of "Gentle Jesus, Meek and Mild", holding the little children on His lap as He blessed them...
and while this is one facet of His Personality, we must not lose sight that He is the Almighty God Who created the Universe.`
Here are some pictures of the Throne Room of Heaven, and the majesty of God, where God Sits on His Throne, with Christ in His Right Hand, accompanied by angellic creatures whose joy it is to worship Him.
And remember...one day soon, we as Believers will all be there worshipping God face to face in the Heavenly throne room with them. Are you ready?
In Christ......brother bob......<><
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--Bible Verses to Ponder--
(Isa 6:1-5 KJV)
In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne,
high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
{2} Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings;
with twain{=two} he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
{3} And one cried unto another, and said,
Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
{4} And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried,
and the house was filled with smoke.
{5} Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone;
because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips:
for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
(Exo 24:9-11 KJV)
Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel:
{10} And they saw the God of Israel:
and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone,
and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.
{11} And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand:
also they saw God, and did eat and drink.
(Ezek 1:24-28 to 2:1 KJV)
And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters,
as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech,
as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.
{25} And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads,
when they stood, and had let down their wings.
{26} And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne,
as the appearance of a sapphire stone:
and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
{27} And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it,
from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward,
I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.
{28} As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain,
so was the appearance of the brightness round about.
This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.
And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.
(Ezek 2:1 KJV) And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.
(John 1:18 KJV)
No man hath seen God at any time;
the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
(1 Tim 6:14-16 KJV)
That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable,
until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: {15} Which in his times he shall show,
who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
{16} Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto;
whom no man hath seen, nor can see:
to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
(1 Ki 22:19 KJV)
And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD:
I saw the LORD sitting on his throne,
and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.
(Ezek 10:1-4 KJV)
Then I looked, and, behold,
in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone,
as the appearance of the likeness of a throne. {2} And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said,
Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims,
and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight.
{3} Now the cherubims stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court.
{4} Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house;
and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory.
(Dan 7:9-10 KJV)
I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit,
whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool:
his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
{10} A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him:
thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him:
the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
(Mat 25:31-34 KJV)
When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him,
then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
{32} And before him shall be gathered all nations:
and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
{33} And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
{34} Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand,
Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
(Rev 3:21 KJV)
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.
(Rev 4:2-11 KJV)
And immediately I was in the spirit; and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
{3} And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone:
and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
{4} And round about the throne were four and twenty seats:
and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment;
and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
{5} And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices:
and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
{6} And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal:
and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
{7} And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man,
and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
{8} And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him;
and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying,
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
{9} And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
{10} The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne,
and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
{11} Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power:
for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
(Rev 7:15-17 KJV)
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple:
and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
{16} They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more;
neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
{17} For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them,
and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters:
and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
(Isa 57:15 KJV)
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy;
` I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit,
to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
(Psa 108:3-7 KJV)
I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.
{4} For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds.
{5} Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth;
{6} That thy beloved may be delivered: save with thy right hand, and answer me.
{7} God hath spoken in his holiness;....
(Eph 1:18-23 KJV)
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling,
and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
{19} And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe,
according to the working of his mighty power,
{20} Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead,
and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
{21} Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named,
not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
{22} And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
{23} Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
(Isa 40:21-22 KJV)
Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning?
have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?
{22} It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers;
that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:
(Isa 40:28-31 KJV)
Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard,
that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?
there is no searching of his understanding. {29} He giveth power to the faint;
and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
{30} Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
{31} But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
(1 Chr 29:11-13 KJV)
{11} Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power,
and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty:
for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine;
thine is the kingdom, O LORD,
and thou art exalted as head above all.
{12} Both riches and honour come of thee,
and thou reignest over all;
and in thine hand is power and might;
and in thine hand it is to make great,
and to give strength unto all.
{13} Now therefore, our God, we thank thee,
and praise thy glorious name.
(Rev 20:11-15 KJV)
And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it,
from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
{12} And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God;
and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life:
and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
{13} And the sea gave up the dead which were in it;
and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them:
and they were judged every man according to their works.
{14} And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
{15} And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
(Rev 21:1-8 KJV)
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth:
for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
{2} And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
{3} And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men,
and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
{4} And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:
for the former things are passed away. {5} And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.
And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. {6} And he said unto me, It is done.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
{7} He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
{8} But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers,
and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:
which is the second death.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
The Lord God Almighty is a Person of unimaginable Power and Greatness. He is a Person of Perfect Holiness, Loving Intentions, and Pure Justice. He is Generous, Wise, Creative, Mathematically Precise. He rules His universe with Dignity and Authority and Autonomy.The fact that He desires to know us and fellowship with us is almost un-explainable; the Fact that He gave His only Son to die on the Cross and save us is almost beyond all understanding...except it is His Choice and His Will to do so. He is a God of Grace (undeserved favor) and Mercy (undeserved kindness and forgiveness) toward us.
Sometimes we get to thinking of "Gentle Jesus, Meek and Mild", holding the little children on His lap as He blessed them...
and while this is one facet of His Personality, we must not lose sight that He is the Almighty God Who created the Universe.`
Here are some pictures of the Throne Room of Heaven, and the majesty of God, where God Sits on His Throne, with Christ in His Right Hand, accompanied by angellic creatures whose joy it is to worship Him.
And remember...one day soon, we as Believers will all be there worshipping God face to face in the Heavenly throne room with them. Are you ready?
In Christ......brother bob......<><
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--Bible Verses to Ponder--
(Isa 6:1-5 KJV)
In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne,
high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
{2} Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings;
with twain{=two} he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
{3} And one cried unto another, and said,
Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
{4} And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried,
and the house was filled with smoke.
{5} Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone;
because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips:
for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
(Exo 24:9-11 KJV)
Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel:
{10} And they saw the God of Israel:
and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone,
and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.
{11} And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand:
also they saw God, and did eat and drink.
(Ezek 1:24-28 to 2:1 KJV)
And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters,
as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech,
as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.
{25} And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads,
when they stood, and had let down their wings.
{26} And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne,
as the appearance of a sapphire stone:
and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
{27} And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it,
from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward,
I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.
{28} As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain,
so was the appearance of the brightness round about.
This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.
And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.
(Ezek 2:1 KJV) And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.
(John 1:18 KJV)
No man hath seen God at any time;
the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
(1 Tim 6:14-16 KJV)
That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable,
until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: {15} Which in his times he shall show,
who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
{16} Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto;
whom no man hath seen, nor can see:
to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
(1 Ki 22:19 KJV)
And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD:
I saw the LORD sitting on his throne,
and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.
(Ezek 10:1-4 KJV)
Then I looked, and, behold,
in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone,
as the appearance of the likeness of a throne. {2} And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said,
Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims,
and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight.
{3} Now the cherubims stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court.
{4} Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house;
and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory.
(Dan 7:9-10 KJV)
I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit,
whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool:
his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
{10} A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him:
thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him:
the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
(Mat 25:31-34 KJV)
When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him,
then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
{32} And before him shall be gathered all nations:
and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
{33} And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
{34} Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand,
Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
(Rev 3:21 KJV)
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.
(Rev 4:2-11 KJV)
And immediately I was in the spirit; and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
{3} And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone:
and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
{4} And round about the throne were four and twenty seats:
and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment;
and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
{5} And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices:
and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
{6} And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal:
and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
{7} And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man,
and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
{8} And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him;
and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying,
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
{9} And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
{10} The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne,
and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
{11} Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power:
for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
(Rev 7:15-17 KJV)
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple:
and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
{16} They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more;
neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
{17} For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them,
and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters:
and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
(Isa 57:15 KJV)
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy;
` I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit,
to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
(Psa 108:3-7 KJV)
I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.
{4} For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds.
{5} Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth;
{6} That thy beloved may be delivered: save with thy right hand, and answer me.
{7} God hath spoken in his holiness;....
(Eph 1:18-23 KJV)
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling,
and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
{19} And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe,
according to the working of his mighty power,
{20} Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead,
and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
{21} Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named,
not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
{22} And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
{23} Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
(Isa 40:21-22 KJV)
Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning?
have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?
{22} It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers;
that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:
(Isa 40:28-31 KJV)
Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard,
that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?
there is no searching of his understanding. {29} He giveth power to the faint;
and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
{30} Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
{31} But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
(1 Chr 29:11-13 KJV)
{11} Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power,
and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty:
for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine;
thine is the kingdom, O LORD,
and thou art exalted as head above all.
{12} Both riches and honour come of thee,
and thou reignest over all;
and in thine hand is power and might;
and in thine hand it is to make great,
and to give strength unto all.
{13} Now therefore, our God, we thank thee,
and praise thy glorious name.
(Rev 20:11-15 KJV)
And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it,
from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
{12} And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God;
and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life:
and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
{13} And the sea gave up the dead which were in it;
and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them:
and they were judged every man according to their works.
{14} And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
{15} And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
(Rev 21:1-8 KJV)
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth:
for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
{2} And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
{3} And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men,
and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
{4} And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:
for the former things are passed away. {5} And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.
And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. {6} And he said unto me, It is done.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
{7} He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
{8} But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers,
and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:
which is the second death.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
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IXTHEUS CHRISTIAN GROWTH DEVOTIONALS
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Multi-Grain Scones
Multi-Grain Scones
10 Scones
These scones are the perfect answer for the morning rush! Unlike a lot of low fat foods, which can be so loaded with sugar that you feel hungry soon after eating them, these are quite filling -- you can eat just half of one and still satisfy the need for morning sustenance. Plus, you'll get in a nice amount of bran for the day, an appropriate source of roughage.
Ingredients:
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar
5 tablespoons grapeseed or expeller-pressed canola oil
1/8 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 cup oatmeal (not instant)
1/4 cup wheat bran
1 1/2 cups unbleached white flour
2 tablespoons millet
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
Lemon Topping:
3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup confectioners sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Whisk the egg, sugar, and oil together in a bowl. Mix the lemon zest and all of the dry ingredients together in a separate bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until all of them are evenly dispersed throughout. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the egg, sugar, and oil, and mix to create a thick dough. Add the milk and mix well.
3. Lightly grease a baking pan. Scoop up tablespoonfuls of the dough and drop them one by one in mounds onto the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between. You should have about 10 scones. Bake for 15-20 minutes, just until the crust is barely golden brown and the dough is dry. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. With a fork mix the Lemon Topping ingredients until the sugar is completely melded in. Drizzle 1 tablespoon ever each scone.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
375 calories
10 g total fat (2 g sat)
23 mg cholesterol
62 g carbohydrate
9 g protein
5 g fiber
120 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
10 Scones
These scones are the perfect answer for the morning rush! Unlike a lot of low fat foods, which can be so loaded with sugar that you feel hungry soon after eating them, these are quite filling -- you can eat just half of one and still satisfy the need for morning sustenance. Plus, you'll get in a nice amount of bran for the day, an appropriate source of roughage.
Ingredients:
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar
5 tablespoons grapeseed or expeller-pressed canola oil
1/8 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 cup oatmeal (not instant)
1/4 cup wheat bran
1 1/2 cups unbleached white flour
2 tablespoons millet
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
Lemon Topping:
3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup confectioners sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Whisk the egg, sugar, and oil together in a bowl. Mix the lemon zest and all of the dry ingredients together in a separate bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until all of them are evenly dispersed throughout. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the egg, sugar, and oil, and mix to create a thick dough. Add the milk and mix well.
3. Lightly grease a baking pan. Scoop up tablespoonfuls of the dough and drop them one by one in mounds onto the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between. You should have about 10 scones. Bake for 15-20 minutes, just until the crust is barely golden brown and the dough is dry. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. With a fork mix the Lemon Topping ingredients until the sugar is completely melded in. Drizzle 1 tablespoon ever each scone.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
375 calories
10 g total fat (2 g sat)
23 mg cholesterol
62 g carbohydrate
9 g protein
5 g fiber
120 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
Penne in Casserole
Penne in Casserole
Makes: 6 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Here's a penne for your thoughts. This pasta casserole has all the necessary ingredients to make a great meal. Get your fix of Italian goodness tonight.
Ingredients
6 oz. dry penne
1 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
1-2 cup sliced mushrooms
2-3 minced garlic cloves
1/3 lb. ground beef
2 tsp. dried basil
1 pinch dried thyme
2 tsp. dried parsley
2 tsp. dried oregano
1 dash black pepper
24 oz. garden style spaghetti sauce
2-3 cups mozzarella cheese or cheddar cheese, grated
Methods/steps
Cook penne according to pkg. directions until almost cooked. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil, then add onion, garlic and mushrooms; stir-fry until onion is translucent. Remove to a plate. Crumble beef in skillet; add basil, thyme, parsley, black pepper and oregano. Cook through; drain. Add onion mixture and spaghetti sauce to beef; cook on “low”, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minute and stir in penne. Put mixture in a shallow dish (13x9x2 inch) and cover with shredded cheese. Bake for 30-45 minute and let stand 5 minute before serving.
Additional Tips
Ready in 1¼ hour
Makes: 6 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Here's a penne for your thoughts. This pasta casserole has all the necessary ingredients to make a great meal. Get your fix of Italian goodness tonight.
Ingredients
6 oz. dry penne
1 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
1-2 cup sliced mushrooms
2-3 minced garlic cloves
1/3 lb. ground beef
2 tsp. dried basil
1 pinch dried thyme
2 tsp. dried parsley
2 tsp. dried oregano
1 dash black pepper
24 oz. garden style spaghetti sauce
2-3 cups mozzarella cheese or cheddar cheese, grated
Methods/steps
Cook penne according to pkg. directions until almost cooked. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil, then add onion, garlic and mushrooms; stir-fry until onion is translucent. Remove to a plate. Crumble beef in skillet; add basil, thyme, parsley, black pepper and oregano. Cook through; drain. Add onion mixture and spaghetti sauce to beef; cook on “low”, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minute and stir in penne. Put mixture in a shallow dish (13x9x2 inch) and cover with shredded cheese. Bake for 30-45 minute and let stand 5 minute before serving.
Additional Tips
Ready in 1¼ hour
Rice & Black Eyed Peas
Rice & Black Eyed Peas
Makes: 6 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Black eyed peas aren't just a New Year's staple -- they're a year-round favorite. You won't need good luck to whip this decadent dish into shape. Simply follow the instructions for a palate-pleasing offering.
Ingredients
1/4 lb. bacon, sliced and diced
1/4 lb. breakfast sausage, crumbled
2 1/2 cups white onion, diced
3 tbsp. garlic, minced
1 cup celery stalks, peeled & diced
2 tbsp. paprika
1 12-oz. bottle beer
5 cups chicken stock
1 small ham bone
3 cups fresh black-eyed peas
2 tbsp. cornstarch
3 tbsp. water
2 lemons, juiced
Salt to taste
2 cups cooked white rice
Methods/steps
In a medium, heavy bottom saucepot, render bacon over medium heat. Add breakfast sausage and cook until almost done. Add onions and garlic and cook until slightly caramelized. Add celery and paprika and wilt; add beer, reduce by 1/2. Add chicken stock, ham bone, and fresh black-eyed peas. Boil. Dissolve cornstarch in water and mix well into peas. Simmer over “low” heat 1 1/2 to 2 hours until peas are fully cooked and liquid is reduced to just cover the peas. You may need to add a little additional chicken stock or water; season with lemon juice and salt. Remove ham bone or hock before using. Combine black-eyed peas with cooked rice. May be prepared up to two days in advance.
Additional Tips
Ready in 2 hours
Makes: 6 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Black eyed peas aren't just a New Year's staple -- they're a year-round favorite. You won't need good luck to whip this decadent dish into shape. Simply follow the instructions for a palate-pleasing offering.
Ingredients
1/4 lb. bacon, sliced and diced
1/4 lb. breakfast sausage, crumbled
2 1/2 cups white onion, diced
3 tbsp. garlic, minced
1 cup celery stalks, peeled & diced
2 tbsp. paprika
1 12-oz. bottle beer
5 cups chicken stock
1 small ham bone
3 cups fresh black-eyed peas
2 tbsp. cornstarch
3 tbsp. water
2 lemons, juiced
Salt to taste
2 cups cooked white rice
Methods/steps
In a medium, heavy bottom saucepot, render bacon over medium heat. Add breakfast sausage and cook until almost done. Add onions and garlic and cook until slightly caramelized. Add celery and paprika and wilt; add beer, reduce by 1/2. Add chicken stock, ham bone, and fresh black-eyed peas. Boil. Dissolve cornstarch in water and mix well into peas. Simmer over “low” heat 1 1/2 to 2 hours until peas are fully cooked and liquid is reduced to just cover the peas. You may need to add a little additional chicken stock or water; season with lemon juice and salt. Remove ham bone or hock before using. Combine black-eyed peas with cooked rice. May be prepared up to two days in advance.
Additional Tips
Ready in 2 hours
Tuesday - The Sayings of Jesus
John 5:19-32
19) Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever he does, that the Son does likewise. 20) For the Father loves the Son, and shows him all that he himself is doing; and greater works than these will he show him, that you may marvel. 21) For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. 22) The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 23) that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24) Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 25) "Truly, truly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26) For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself, 27) and has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of man. 28) Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29) and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment. 30) "I can do nothing on my own authority; as I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. 31) If I bear witness to myself, my testimony is not true; 32) there is another who bears witness to me, and I know that the testimony which he bears to me is true."
19) Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever he does, that the Son does likewise. 20) For the Father loves the Son, and shows him all that he himself is doing; and greater works than these will he show him, that you may marvel. 21) For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. 22) The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 23) that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24) Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 25) "Truly, truly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26) For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself, 27) and has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of man. 28) Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29) and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment. 30) "I can do nothing on my own authority; as I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. 31) If I bear witness to myself, my testimony is not true; 32) there is another who bears witness to me, and I know that the testimony which he bears to me is true."
Tuesday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
Living Free Every Day®
Today's Scripture
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6 NIV
Thoughts for Today
Some mothers prepare their teenage daughters for premarital sexual activities by helping them with birth control plans. They may feel guilty asking their teenage daughters to abstain from sex outside of marriage, especially if they did not. Likewise, some fathers may allow their teenage sons to drink alcohol--after all, they did when they were teens ... how can they say "no?"
No matter what mistakes we may have made, that is history. If we have received Jesus' forgiveness, the past is past. This is today--and God is calling us today to train our children in the way they should go. The way that is pleasing to him.
Consider this...
Because you broke rules and made mistakes does not mean that your children should follow the same pattern. It is vital that you learn from your wrongdoing and receive Christ's forgiveness. Then God calls you to love your children enough to teach them the right way--God's way.
Remember, you don't have to do it alone. Ask God for the courage, the strength and the wisdom to train your children in the way they should go.
Prayer
Father, help me to guide and discipline my children so that they won't make the same mistakes that I did. Help me to train them in the way they should go. In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from...Close--But Not Too Close by Dr. Jimmy Ray Lee. A complement to the Concerned Persons small group study, this booklet is written primarily for those who want to help someone close to them who is enslaved by the stronghold of a life-controlling issue. It is also designed to help someone who is suffering the consequences of a loved one's problem.
Would you like to have these devotions appear daily on your church or ministry website? Learn More
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770© Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending e-mail to info@LivingFree.org.
September 28, 2009
Monday - The Sayings of Jesus
Luke 5:29-39
29) And Levi made him a great feast in his house; and there was a large company of tax collectors and others sitting at table with them. 30) And the Pharisees and their scribes murmured against his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" 31) And Jesus answered them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; 32) I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." 33) And they said to him, "The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and dri nk." 34) And Jesus said to them, "Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35) The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days." 36) He told them a parable also: "No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it upon an old garment; if he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. 37) And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; if he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. 38) But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. 39) And no one after drinking old wine desires new; for he says, `The old is good.'"
29) And Levi made him a great feast in his house; and there was a large company of tax collectors and others sitting at table with them. 30) And the Pharisees and their scribes murmured against his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" 31) And Jesus answered them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; 32) I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." 33) And they said to him, "The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and dri nk." 34) And Jesus said to them, "Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35) The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days." 36) He told them a parable also: "No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it upon an old garment; if he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. 37) And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; if he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. 38) But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. 39) And no one after drinking old wine desires new; for he says, `The old is good.'"
Verse of the Day for September 28, 2009
Verse of the Day for September 28, 2009
1 Chronicles 29:11
Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. (KJV)
Meditation
Let this verse lift your heart in praise to God. He has the whole world under control -- including you. Can you think of a time when God really showed His presence in your life?
1 Chronicles 29:11
Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. (KJV)
Meditation
Let this verse lift your heart in praise to God. He has the whole world under control -- including you. Can you think of a time when God really showed His presence in your life?
Monday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
Becoming Part of the Bride
When Christ purchased His bride, He bought a bride who was "damaged merchandise." His bride was sullied by manifest impurities. She was covered by spots and marred by wrinkles. Yet what He purchased He also sanctifies:
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Eph. 5:25-27, NIV)
Christ prepares His bride for His wedding feast envisioned in Revelation:
Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!'" And he added, "These are the true words of God." (19:9, NIV)
Every time we celebrate the Lord's Supper, we celebrate not only the redeeming purchase price paid by the Bridegroom but symbolically the marriage feast of the Lamb to which every believer is called.
Coram Deo: Living in the Presence of God
Celebrate the Lord's Supper in your private devotions. Give thanks for the purchase price paid by your Bridegroom.
For Further Study
Ephesians 5:25-27: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish."
1 Corinthians 11:23-25: "For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 'Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.'"
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.
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September 27, 2009
Sunday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
Week of September 27Faithfulness
". . . choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve." ~Joshua 24:15
Joshua understood well the personal choices involved in serving God faithfully to the end. He had seen much life and death come to his forefathers as a result of their ungodly choices. He reminded the leaders of Israel, with great assurance, to serve God with a clean heart. He knew that God desired to continue to bless Israel but that they would not be positioned to receive God's blessings unless they surrendered their whole heart, even in the little things.
The bar is high for leaders. And Joshua warned them to not fall into the sins of their past. Oh how the enemy enjoys enticing and ensnaring us by using familiar behavior patterns and people from our past to bring destruction into our present and future, to prevent God's promises, plans and purposes from coming to fruition.
Is there a god that you need to lay down? A god that will prevent you from living out your God-given potential and destiny? Are there any idols that lurk in your heart?
God will be faithful to us if we are faithful to Him and His ways. Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Is God truly our first love? Are we willing to lay everything that is important and valuable to us down at the foot of the cross to serve Him?
If our answer is "yes," then we exchange our ways for His, which are much higher and which include rewards far greater than we can earn on our own. The question then becomes, "Do we truly trust God to deliver?"
If the answer is again "yes," then we will embark on an adventure of loving and serving Him on a whole new level that will result in fresh assignments, fresh revelation, fresh opportunities for trusting Him in new areas, fresh opportunities to overcome obstacles and greater measures of blessings to receive, pressed down, shaken together and running over (Luke 6:38). Is this not life worth living? This is indeed God's finest for us, and it is anything but boring!
Faithfulness requires discipline in the journey, and it requires a cleansing of the heart at the outset. Anything less will harbor a contamination that will ultimately lead us to stumble and fall and possibly to not even finish the race God has set before us. At the very least, the journey will be rocky.
Faithfulness is obedience that builds trust in relationships. "Now fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped . . . and serve the Lord" (Josh. 24:14).
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.
Mini Pizzas
Mini Pizzas
Makes: 8 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Thursday, February 21, 2008
Ready for a pizza convenience? These mini pizzas are a slice of Italian heaven. They make a great afternoon snack for adults and kids alike and take no time at all.
Ingredients
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut in strips
12 pieces mozzarella string cheese
8 small baked pizza crusts
1 cup pizza sauce
Methods/steps
Cut each red pepper strip crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Round corners on one end of each piece to make fingernails. Cut each string cheese stick in half crosswise. On rounded end of each piece cut out a 1/2 inch -square notch into which a pepper piece will fit to make a nail. Lay crusts slightly apart on 3 baking sheets, each 12x15 inch. Spread pizza sauce evenly over each crust. Lay 3 cheese fingers well apart on each crust: fit a red pepper nail onto each. Bake in a 450 degrees oven until cheese just begins to melt, about 8 minutes.
Additional Tips
Ready in 30 minutes
Makes: 8 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Thursday, February 21, 2008
Ready for a pizza convenience? These mini pizzas are a slice of Italian heaven. They make a great afternoon snack for adults and kids alike and take no time at all.
Ingredients
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut in strips
12 pieces mozzarella string cheese
8 small baked pizza crusts
1 cup pizza sauce
Methods/steps
Cut each red pepper strip crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Round corners on one end of each piece to make fingernails. Cut each string cheese stick in half crosswise. On rounded end of each piece cut out a 1/2 inch -square notch into which a pepper piece will fit to make a nail. Lay crusts slightly apart on 3 baking sheets, each 12x15 inch. Spread pizza sauce evenly over each crust. Lay 3 cheese fingers well apart on each crust: fit a red pepper nail onto each. Bake in a 450 degrees oven until cheese just begins to melt, about 8 minutes.
Additional Tips
Ready in 30 minutes
Sunday - Prayer of the Day
A Prayer for Our Economic Times
O Lord God, As I survey the stormy economic seas troubling our nation, Troubling me, my family, my friends, my community, I ask Lord that we may steady ourselves in these winds of change, By reaching out to you, being stronger servants. O Lord God, You banished Adam from the garden for disobedience. You told him to work with the scare resources of the earth. I ask Lord that we may learn to manage our resources more wisely, By reaching out to you, being wiser stewards. O Lord God, You told the rich young ruler to give everything up and follow, You understand the material walls we build to shut you out, I ask Lord that we may constantly seek to break down the barriers, By reaching out to you, being better disciples. O Lord God, You provide all that we need to live a life fulfilled, You never abandon us even when we are selfish and foolish, I ask Lord that we may see the wealth we have in you, By reaching out, being dependent only on you. O Lord God, You sustain your faithful people through good times and bad, You know when we fail and when we are faithful to your will, I ask Lord that we may show the Gospel in the midst of economic confusion, By reaching out to you, being beacons of your Word.
AMEN
O Lord God, As I survey the stormy economic seas troubling our nation, Troubling me, my family, my friends, my community, I ask Lord that we may steady ourselves in these winds of change, By reaching out to you, being stronger servants. O Lord God, You banished Adam from the garden for disobedience. You told him to work with the scare resources of the earth. I ask Lord that we may learn to manage our resources more wisely, By reaching out to you, being wiser stewards. O Lord God, You told the rich young ruler to give everything up and follow, You understand the material walls we build to shut you out, I ask Lord that we may constantly seek to break down the barriers, By reaching out to you, being better disciples. O Lord God, You provide all that we need to live a life fulfilled, You never abandon us even when we are selfish and foolish, I ask Lord that we may see the wealth we have in you, By reaching out, being dependent only on you. O Lord God, You sustain your faithful people through good times and bad, You know when we fail and when we are faithful to your will, I ask Lord that we may show the Gospel in the midst of economic confusion, By reaching out to you, being beacons of your Word.
AMEN
Sunday - The Sayings of Jesus
Mark 14:16-31
16) And the disciples set out and went to the city, and found it as he had told them; and they prepared the passover. 17) And when it was evening he came with the twelve. 18) And as they were at table eating, Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me." 19) They began to be sorrowful, and to say to him one after another, "Is it I?" 20) He said to them, "It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. 21) For the Son of man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born." 22) And as they were eating, he took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them, and said, "Take; this is my body." 23) And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24) And he said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25) Truly, I say to you, I shall not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God." 26) And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27) And Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away; for it is written, `I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.' 28) But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee." 29) Peter said to him, "Even though they all fall away, I will not." 30) And Jesus said to him, "Truly, I say to you, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times." 31) But he said vehemently, "If I must die with you, I will not deny you." And they all said the same.
16) And the disciples set out and went to the city, and found it as he had told them; and they prepared the passover. 17) And when it was evening he came with the twelve. 18) And as they were at table eating, Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me." 19) They began to be sorrowful, and to say to him one after another, "Is it I?" 20) He said to them, "It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. 21) For the Son of man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born." 22) And as they were eating, he took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them, and said, "Take; this is my body." 23) And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. 24) And he said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25) Truly, I say to you, I shall not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God." 26) And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27) And Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away; for it is written, `I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.' 28) But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee." 29) Peter said to him, "Even though they all fall away, I will not." 30) And Jesus said to him, "Truly, I say to you, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times." 31) But he said vehemently, "If I must die with you, I will not deny you." And they all said the same.
Salsa Rice
Salsa Rice
1 Serving
This is a very easy way to season basmati or brown rice. You can use it for already cooked rice, or cook the rice from scratch. Pick your favorite all-natural salsa and experiment with different types of salsa. There are lots of new and interesting ones on the market.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cooked rice (basmati or brown)
2 tbsp salsa
Instructions:
Just mix the salsa into the rice.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
129 calories
0 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
28 g carbohydrate
3 g protein
1 g fiber
142 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
1 Serving
This is a very easy way to season basmati or brown rice. You can use it for already cooked rice, or cook the rice from scratch. Pick your favorite all-natural salsa and experiment with different types of salsa. There are lots of new and interesting ones on the market.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cooked rice (basmati or brown)
2 tbsp salsa
Instructions:
Just mix the salsa into the rice.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
129 calories
0 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
28 g carbohydrate
3 g protein
1 g fiber
142 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
September 26, 2009
Double Fudge Brownies
Double Fudge Brownies
Makes: 6-8 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Sunday, December 30, 2007
These brownies are double trouble. They're already moist and chewy, but when topped with vanilla frosting they melt in your mouth. They'll satisfy any sweet tooth craving.
Ingredients
Brownies:
1 1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup cocoa
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3 eggs
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup chopped walnuts
Vanilla Icing:
1/3 cup butter
2 cup icing sugar
2 tbsp. milk
1/4 tsp. vanilla
Methods/steps
Stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt and walnuts. Mix well. Set aside.In large bowl, combine eggs, sugar, butter and vanilla. Beat with wooden spoon until smooth. Stir in dry ingredients; mix well. Spread batter evenly in 13 X 9 inch pan. Bake in 350 degrees oven for about 25 minutes. Do not over bake. Brownies are ready when edges are just set and center is still soft. Cool on wire rack. Beat vanilla icing ingredients together. Spread on top of brownies. Cut into squares.
Makes: 6-8 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Sunday, December 30, 2007
These brownies are double trouble. They're already moist and chewy, but when topped with vanilla frosting they melt in your mouth. They'll satisfy any sweet tooth craving.
Ingredients
Brownies:
1 1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup cocoa
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3 eggs
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup chopped walnuts
Vanilla Icing:
1/3 cup butter
2 cup icing sugar
2 tbsp. milk
1/4 tsp. vanilla
Methods/steps
Stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt and walnuts. Mix well. Set aside.In large bowl, combine eggs, sugar, butter and vanilla. Beat with wooden spoon until smooth. Stir in dry ingredients; mix well. Spread batter evenly in 13 X 9 inch pan. Bake in 350 degrees oven for about 25 minutes. Do not over bake. Brownies are ready when edges are just set and center is still soft. Cool on wire rack. Beat vanilla icing ingredients together. Spread on top of brownies. Cut into squares.
September 25, 2009
Braised Short Ribs
Braised Short Ribs
Serves: 4
Created by The MDM Team, Tuesday, December 4, 2007
When you're short on energy -- and ribs -- these braised babies are the answer to your dinner prayers. Break out this recipe and prepare yourself for the ultimate ribbing.
Ingredients
2 tbsp. olive oil
4 1/2 lb. beef short ribs
1 cup each chopped carrots, onion and celery
2 tbsp. minced garlic
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
4 cups chicken broth
1 bottle dry red wine
1/2 cup red port wine
1 1/2 tbsp. chopped fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
3 tbsp. butter, room temperature
1 tbsp. all-purpose flour
Methods/steps
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat oil in large pot over high heat. Sprinkle ribs with salt and pepper. Working in batches, brown ribs on all sides. Return all ribs to pot. Add carrots, onion, celery and garlic; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add honey; cook 2 minutes. Add vinegar; boil until most liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes. Add broth, red wine, port, thyme and bay leaf; boil 5 minutes. Cover; transfer to oven. Bake until meat is falling off bones, about 2 hours. Remove ribs from pan and put pan liquid in saucepot; boil until slightly reduced. Add salt and pepper. Mix butter and flour in small bowl, then whisk into sauce. Boil until thick, about 3 minutes. Add ribs and serve.
Serves: 4
Created by The MDM Team, Tuesday, December 4, 2007
When you're short on energy -- and ribs -- these braised babies are the answer to your dinner prayers. Break out this recipe and prepare yourself for the ultimate ribbing.
Ingredients
2 tbsp. olive oil
4 1/2 lb. beef short ribs
1 cup each chopped carrots, onion and celery
2 tbsp. minced garlic
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
4 cups chicken broth
1 bottle dry red wine
1/2 cup red port wine
1 1/2 tbsp. chopped fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
3 tbsp. butter, room temperature
1 tbsp. all-purpose flour
Methods/steps
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat oil in large pot over high heat. Sprinkle ribs with salt and pepper. Working in batches, brown ribs on all sides. Return all ribs to pot. Add carrots, onion, celery and garlic; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add honey; cook 2 minutes. Add vinegar; boil until most liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes. Add broth, red wine, port, thyme and bay leaf; boil 5 minutes. Cover; transfer to oven. Bake until meat is falling off bones, about 2 hours. Remove ribs from pan and put pan liquid in saucepot; boil until slightly reduced. Add salt and pepper. Mix butter and flour in small bowl, then whisk into sauce. Boil until thick, about 3 minutes. Add ribs and serve.
Verse of the Day for September 25, 2009
Verse of the Day for September 25, 2009
Ephesians 2:19
So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God's holy people. You are members of God's family. (NLT)
Meditation
Let's face it. Your greatest need in life is to belong. God fills that need by making you a member of His family -- forever. What do you think about the church -- the local manifestation of God's family?
Ephesians 2:19
So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God's holy people. You are members of God's family. (NLT)
Meditation
Let's face it. Your greatest need in life is to belong. God fills that need by making you a member of His family -- forever. What do you think about the church -- the local manifestation of God's family?
Friday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration - A Financially-Productive Woman
September 25, 2009
A Financially-Productive Woman
Glynnis Whitwer
"She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes."
Proverbs 31:24 (NIV)
Devotion:
In today's economy, I look for every way to save money. I'm a sale-shopping, coupon-clipping, leftover-loving woman. I'm a firm believer in Benjamin Franklin's well-known adage, "A penny saved is a penny earned." And this past couple of years, my family has certainly had to apply that to our lives in greater measure.
Sometimes, however, saving money just isn't enough. As many families face a reduced income due to layoffs and company closures, there are only so many ways to cut corners. So I'm also a believer in trying to make money in creative ways. As many of us wonder what the future holds financially, I'd like to suggest we look at a biblical example of how to use the resources we have within our homes to increase our families' incomes.
One of the best examples I know is found in Proverbs 31. Throughout chapter 31 we meet a woman who was a good manager of all her resources, and in verse 24, we learn that she used her weaving skills to make money. As I consider this women's ingenuity, I learn that she identified a need (merchants needed sashes) and then used her skills (making garments) and energy (selling them) to increase her family's financial well being.
I wonder if many of us overlook this principle as we face a financially shaky future with dread. Perhaps we don't need to look for an employer that is hiring, but instead should consider how to use the resources God has already given us. On a recent trip, I met a wonderful example of a woman doing just that. She is past retirement age, lives alone and wanted to bring in extra income. Since I'm a small business owner, our commonalities got us talking.
This productive woman buys used wool sweaters, shrinks them and sews them into designer mittens using other fabrics and decorative accents. Then she sells them in a local shop where she has a booth. That's not all she sells. She has added hand-made products made by women working at home in other countries, plus some unique new clothing items she buys and resells. It all started with a creative idea, the use of her talents and some energy to sell them.
Artistic talents aren't the only resource we have to help our families. Many people have other skills that can be used to increase incomes. Some examples are physical strength, athletic training, organization, planning, love of travel, cooking, gardening and cleaning.
Many have families that can help. This past summer I watched a local landscaper work every week with his two sons by his side. They are a family pulling together when it counts most.
No one wishes for hard financial times - though we can learn much in them. When God is on our side, there are always opportunities waiting to be uncovered. Instead of dreading the future, perhaps God wants to tap into the unique resources He has planted within our lives and family for such a time as this.
Dear Lord, I thank You today for the many resources You have given me. Thank You for my life, for my mind, for what health I have and for the hope you offer. Please help me to see how I might use these resources to become more financially productive. Only You know the true depth of my needs. So today I ask for Your help. I know I can do all things through You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Work@Home: A Practical Guide for Women Who Want to Work from Home by Glynnis Whitwer
Learning to Live Financially Free by Marybeth and Curt Whalen
Visit Glynnis' blog to read suggestions for home-based businesses you can start with little money.
Application Steps:
If you are in a place of financial need, take some time to evaluate all the resources you have. List five that could possibly be used to increase your financial health.
Reflections:
God often uses our finances to teach us lessons. What have you learned about God as a result of a financially difficult time in your life?
What is one wise money management principle that you should apply to your life now?
Power Verses:
Matthew 25:21, "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'" (NIV)
Proverbs 21:5, "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." (NIV)
John 21:6, "And He said to them, 'Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.' So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish." (NASB)
© 2009 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
A Financially-Productive Woman
Glynnis Whitwer
"She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes."
Proverbs 31:24 (NIV)
Devotion:
In today's economy, I look for every way to save money. I'm a sale-shopping, coupon-clipping, leftover-loving woman. I'm a firm believer in Benjamin Franklin's well-known adage, "A penny saved is a penny earned." And this past couple of years, my family has certainly had to apply that to our lives in greater measure.
Sometimes, however, saving money just isn't enough. As many families face a reduced income due to layoffs and company closures, there are only so many ways to cut corners. So I'm also a believer in trying to make money in creative ways. As many of us wonder what the future holds financially, I'd like to suggest we look at a biblical example of how to use the resources we have within our homes to increase our families' incomes.
One of the best examples I know is found in Proverbs 31. Throughout chapter 31 we meet a woman who was a good manager of all her resources, and in verse 24, we learn that she used her weaving skills to make money. As I consider this women's ingenuity, I learn that she identified a need (merchants needed sashes) and then used her skills (making garments) and energy (selling them) to increase her family's financial well being.
I wonder if many of us overlook this principle as we face a financially shaky future with dread. Perhaps we don't need to look for an employer that is hiring, but instead should consider how to use the resources God has already given us. On a recent trip, I met a wonderful example of a woman doing just that. She is past retirement age, lives alone and wanted to bring in extra income. Since I'm a small business owner, our commonalities got us talking.
This productive woman buys used wool sweaters, shrinks them and sews them into designer mittens using other fabrics and decorative accents. Then she sells them in a local shop where she has a booth. That's not all she sells. She has added hand-made products made by women working at home in other countries, plus some unique new clothing items she buys and resells. It all started with a creative idea, the use of her talents and some energy to sell them.
Artistic talents aren't the only resource we have to help our families. Many people have other skills that can be used to increase incomes. Some examples are physical strength, athletic training, organization, planning, love of travel, cooking, gardening and cleaning.
Many have families that can help. This past summer I watched a local landscaper work every week with his two sons by his side. They are a family pulling together when it counts most.
No one wishes for hard financial times - though we can learn much in them. When God is on our side, there are always opportunities waiting to be uncovered. Instead of dreading the future, perhaps God wants to tap into the unique resources He has planted within our lives and family for such a time as this.
Dear Lord, I thank You today for the many resources You have given me. Thank You for my life, for my mind, for what health I have and for the hope you offer. Please help me to see how I might use these resources to become more financially productive. Only You know the true depth of my needs. So today I ask for Your help. I know I can do all things through You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Work@Home: A Practical Guide for Women Who Want to Work from Home by Glynnis Whitwer
Learning to Live Financially Free by Marybeth and Curt Whalen
Visit Glynnis' blog to read suggestions for home-based businesses you can start with little money.
Application Steps:
If you are in a place of financial need, take some time to evaluate all the resources you have. List five that could possibly be used to increase your financial health.
Reflections:
God often uses our finances to teach us lessons. What have you learned about God as a result of a financially difficult time in your life?
What is one wise money management principle that you should apply to your life now?
Power Verses:
Matthew 25:21, "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'" (NIV)
Proverbs 21:5, "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." (NIV)
John 21:6, "And He said to them, 'Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.' So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish." (NASB)
© 2009 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
Friday - Prayer of the Day
A Prayer for Resting in God's Love
Father God, I come into your presence so aware of my human frailty and yet overwhelmed by your love for me. I thank you that there is no human experience that I might walk through where your love cannot reach me. If I climb the highest mountain you are there and yet if I find myself in the darkest valley of my life, you are there. Teach me today to love you more. Help me to rest in that love that asks nothing more than the simple trusting heart of a child.
In Jesus name, Amen
Father God, I come into your presence so aware of my human frailty and yet overwhelmed by your love for me. I thank you that there is no human experience that I might walk through where your love cannot reach me. If I climb the highest mountain you are there and yet if I find myself in the darkest valley of my life, you are there. Teach me today to love you more. Help me to rest in that love that asks nothing more than the simple trusting heart of a child.
In Jesus name, Amen
Friday - The Sayings of Jesus
John 5:2-17
2) Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Beth-za'tha, which has five porticoes. 3) In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed. 5) One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6) When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" 7) The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me." 8) Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your pallet, and walk." 9) And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked. Now that day was the sabbath. 10) So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet." 11) But he answered them, "The man who healed me said to me, `Take up your pallet, and walk.'" 12) They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, `Take up your pallet, and walk'?" 13) Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. 14) Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you." 15) The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16) And this was why the Jews persecuted Jesus, because he did this on the sabbath. 17) But Jesus answered them, "My Father is working still, and I am working."
2) Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Beth-za'tha, which has five porticoes. 3) In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed. 5) One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6) When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" 7) The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me." 8) Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your pallet, and walk." 9) And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked. Now that day was the sabbath. 10) So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet." 11) But he answered them, "The man who healed me said to me, `Take up your pallet, and walk.'" 12) They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, `Take up your pallet, and walk'?" 13) Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. 14) Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you." 15) The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16) And this was why the Jews persecuted Jesus, because he did this on the sabbath. 17) But Jesus answered them, "My Father is working still, and I am working."
September 24, 2009
Verse of the Day for September 24, 2009
Verse of the Day for September 24, 2009
Deuteronomy 4:9
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. (NIV)
Meditation
Our children need to know what we're learning about God. Don't keep it to yourself when you see God at work. What Godly lesson can you teach your kids today?
Deuteronomy 4:9
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. (NIV)
Meditation
Our children need to know what we're learning about God. Don't keep it to yourself when you see God at work. What Godly lesson can you teach your kids today?
Braised Red Cabbage
Braised Red Cabbage
6 Servings
Red cabbage is just like green cabbage in taste and texture, but with the added benefit of powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins that give the redhead of the vegetable world its distinctive color. Red cabbage is also one of the cruciferous family of vegetables; all are rich in fiber, vitamins (most notably vitamin C), minerals like potassium and calcium, and cancer-fighting compounds called indoles. (Other cruciferous vegetables include Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, and chard; all are delicious.) Be prepared when cooking red cabbage for the color to "bleed" into the other ingredients. The acidic vinegar and wine in this dish keep the cabbage a beautiful purple color. Without the acid, the cabbage will turn blue. This dish is a taste sensation and makes a great side dish with salmon or as a warm appetizer salad. And considering the very affordable price of cabbage, it can't be beat.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon quality extra-virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1 large head red cabbage, cored and sliced 1/4-inch thick
1 large green apple, peeled, cored, and diced
3 large cloves garlic, pressed
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 cups dry red wine
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons light-brown sugar
1 cup peeled chestnuts (optional)
Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and carrots and sauté over medium heat until onion is translucent.
2. Add the cabbage and apple and mix well, then add salt to taste, the garlic, the bay leaf, cloves, wine, vinegar and sugar.
3. Bring to a low boil, cover, and cook for about 1 hour.
4. Remove bay leaf and correct seasoning to taste. You may also add the peeled chestnuts to cook in the braising liquid.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
141.9 calories
3 g total fat (0.4 g sat)
0.0 mg cholesterol
28.5 g carbohydrate
3.6 g protein
6.4 g fiber
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
6 Servings
Red cabbage is just like green cabbage in taste and texture, but with the added benefit of powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins that give the redhead of the vegetable world its distinctive color. Red cabbage is also one of the cruciferous family of vegetables; all are rich in fiber, vitamins (most notably vitamin C), minerals like potassium and calcium, and cancer-fighting compounds called indoles. (Other cruciferous vegetables include Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, and chard; all are delicious.) Be prepared when cooking red cabbage for the color to "bleed" into the other ingredients. The acidic vinegar and wine in this dish keep the cabbage a beautiful purple color. Without the acid, the cabbage will turn blue. This dish is a taste sensation and makes a great side dish with salmon or as a warm appetizer salad. And considering the very affordable price of cabbage, it can't be beat.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon quality extra-virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1 large head red cabbage, cored and sliced 1/4-inch thick
1 large green apple, peeled, cored, and diced
3 large cloves garlic, pressed
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 cups dry red wine
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons light-brown sugar
1 cup peeled chestnuts (optional)
Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and carrots and sauté over medium heat until onion is translucent.
2. Add the cabbage and apple and mix well, then add salt to taste, the garlic, the bay leaf, cloves, wine, vinegar and sugar.
3. Bring to a low boil, cover, and cook for about 1 hour.
4. Remove bay leaf and correct seasoning to taste. You may also add the peeled chestnuts to cook in the braising liquid.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
141.9 calories
3 g total fat (0.4 g sat)
0.0 mg cholesterol
28.5 g carbohydrate
3.6 g protein
6.4 g fiber
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
Thursday - The Sayings of Jesus
Luke 6:20-31
20) And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21) "Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. "Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh. 22) "Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man! 23) Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. 24) "But woe to you that are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25) "Woe to you that are full now, for you shall hunger. "Woe to you that laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. 26) "Woe to you, when all men speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets. 27) "But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28) bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29) To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30) Give to every one who begs from you; and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again. 31) And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them."
20) And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21) "Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. "Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh. 22) "Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man! 23) Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. 24) "But woe to you that are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25) "Woe to you that are full now, for you shall hunger. "Woe to you that laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. 26) "Woe to you, when all men speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets. 27) "But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28) bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29) To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30) Give to every one who begs from you; and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again. 31) And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them."
Thursday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
"What Brown Did for Them" by Shawn McEvoy, Crosswalk.com Senior Editor
The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.Psalm 34:7
"God sends his best troops to oversee your life," writes Max Lucado in his book Fear Not. "Imagine the president assigning his Secret Service to protect you, telling his agents to motorcade your car through traffic and safeguard you through crowds... Heaven's many, mighty angels watch over you."
In our lives, my wife and I have seen the Lord minister to us mysteriously just like that. In her life, the amazingly-timed angelic intervention has tended to be more in the area of housing and shelter. In mine, it has centered more around transportation.
I was 11 years old and stuck on the side of an empty desert road with my mother and 9-year-old sister. It was very hot, and we had a flat tire on the old station wagon. Unfortunately, it was one of those older models that required a special tool to remove the hubcaps... and as luck would have it, we were without the tool. Or rather, we were until a man on a bicycle appeared over the horizon. He biked up to us, asked what the problem was, and produced the specific tool from out of his pocket. He changed the tire, smiled, and rode off again, leaving three people with their bottom jaws in their laps.
Another time, before we were married, I was helping Valerie move from South Carolina to Virginia. We had loaded the U-haul, and then secured her Toyota to an auto-transport trailer behind it. Our journey took us up and down bumpy hills, over railroad tracks, through a rainstorm, and onto the interstate before we stopped for gas... and realized that we were missing Valerie's keychain, which included her car keys, keys to her new residence and her old residence, and don't-lose-them-or-we'll-charge-you-$600-each keys to certain buildings at the University of South Carolina. We searched everywhere but could not find the keys. Finally, I got out of the car intending to call the U-haul dealer to see if we had left them there. That's when I spied the keys resting oh-so-gingerly upon a 1-inch-thick beam of the auto-transport trailer. Apparently I had left them there as we were securing the Toyota. I touched them so slightly and they fell to the ground. How they had remained there through our journey to that point was a mystery. All we each knew was that it could not have been physically possible, and we praised God.
This weekend at church I heard an even greater story from an Australian band called Revive. The lead singer shared a testimony of how they came to be in America, how they stepped out in faith to move their families to the other side of the world at the urging of the much-more-well-known group Third Day. They had bought an old white bus in which to tour from place to place... and it turned out to be a lemon. They referred to it as their "tic-tac on wheels." The old tic-tac had been to see about four or five mechanics - some of whom were rip-off artists - before it broke down yet again. The band was out of money, so desitute that they laughably pulled out one of their CDs as they explained their situation to this latest repair guy. "We're new in the country... we've got to get back on the road by tomorrow... we don't have much money... can we give you some free merchandise?, etc. etc."
The mechanic was like, "Ahh... I'll see what I can do," and he dropped the CD back onto the counter next to the register.
What happened next is a bit of a mystery to the band, because they didn't experience it first-hand. But from what they have been able to piece together...
The next day, a UPS delivery guy brought a package to that same repair shop. He saw the CD still on the counter, and somehow, he had heard of this new-in-the-country, fledgling Christian band. He struck up a conversation with the mechanic about their situation.
Later that day, when the band came to pick up the tic-tac, completely unsure of how they were going to pay for the repairs, they were informed that their bill had been paid in full. Says the mechanic, "This UPS guy comes in to deliver a package, sees your CD where I left it on the counter, and asks about you. He paid for your repairs. The bus is ready - runs great - and you guys can get going."
As he told the story to our congregation, the lead singer said, laughing, "We have delivery folks in Australia as well, and I know we're new here, but I'm pretty sure this sort of thing isn't standard. So we now refer to our mysterious helper as our angel in little brown short-shorts."
Intersecting Faith & Life: Was he human, or was he angelic? Has UPS been hiring extraordinary Good Samaritans? What about the guy on the bike? Does it matter? Either way, God sent willing ministers to the aid of those traveling to spread his Word, to those willing to put complete trust in him. Pray that you will have both the opportunity to bring this kind of aid to someone else, and to experience it yourself, even as you know that the only way you will get to see it is through a problem, trial, or inconvenience. But that's where miraculous and angelic intervention occurs... for those who fear God.
Further Reading
God's Secret AgentsTouched by an Angel
Bacon-Broccoli Rigatoni
Bacon-Broccoli Rigatoni
Makes: 6 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Sunday, December 16, 2007
One bite of this rigatoni medley and you'll be bacon for more. The combination of bacon, broccoli and mozzarella blend together in this palate-pleasing pasta dish.
Ingredients
8 oz. (3 cups) uncooked dried rigatoni
8 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups broccoli florets
1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh garlic
2 cups (8 oz.) mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Methods/steps
Cook rigatoni according to package directions. Drain; set aside. Meanwhile, in 10-inch skillet cook bacon over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until bacon is crisp (6 to 8 minutes). Reduce heat to medium. Add broccoli and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is crisply tender (4 to 5 minutes). Add cooked rigatoni, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese and ground red pepper. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted (3 to 5 minutes). Sprinkle with parsley.
Makes: 6 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Sunday, December 16, 2007
One bite of this rigatoni medley and you'll be bacon for more. The combination of bacon, broccoli and mozzarella blend together in this palate-pleasing pasta dish.
Ingredients
8 oz. (3 cups) uncooked dried rigatoni
8 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups broccoli florets
1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh garlic
2 cups (8 oz.) mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 tsp. ground red pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Methods/steps
Cook rigatoni according to package directions. Drain; set aside. Meanwhile, in 10-inch skillet cook bacon over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until bacon is crisp (6 to 8 minutes). Reduce heat to medium. Add broccoli and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is crisply tender (4 to 5 minutes). Add cooked rigatoni, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese and ground red pepper. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted (3 to 5 minutes). Sprinkle with parsley.
September 23, 2009
Strawberry Party
Strawberry Party
Makes: 48 oz.
Created by The MDM Team, Wednesday, February 20, 2008
This non-alcoholic drink is berry refreshing. Loaded with strawberries, it's great for kids and adults alike, especially if you want to get a heaping helping of disease-fighting antioxidants.
Ingredients
1 bottle berry non-frozen liquid concentrate
8 ice cubes
1 cup water
8 oz. strawberry yogurt
6 frozen strawberries
Methods/steps
Place berry concentrate and ice in a blender. Pulse until ice is crushed. Add remaining ingredients and blend on pulse until desired consistency is reached.
Makes: 48 oz.
Created by The MDM Team, Wednesday, February 20, 2008
This non-alcoholic drink is berry refreshing. Loaded with strawberries, it's great for kids and adults alike, especially if you want to get a heaping helping of disease-fighting antioxidants.
Ingredients
1 bottle berry non-frozen liquid concentrate
8 ice cubes
1 cup water
8 oz. strawberry yogurt
6 frozen strawberries
Methods/steps
Place berry concentrate and ice in a blender. Pulse until ice is crushed. Add remaining ingredients and blend on pulse until desired consistency is reached.
Banana Soy Smoothie
Banana Soy Smoothie
1 Serving
This a very quick smoothie that is good for breakfast or as a snack. In addition to soy isoflavones, this drink provides a good dose of calcium and potassium, lots of vitamin C, plus four grams of fiber — more than many breakfast cereals.
Ingredients:
1 banana
1/2 cup soy milk (organic and calcium-enriched)
1/2 cup orange juice (calcium-enriched)
Instructions:
Peel the banana, break it into pieces and put it in the blender with the soy milk and orange juice. Blend until smooth and serve. If you like, use frozen banana chunks or add a couple of ice cubes.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
202 calories
2 g total fat (1 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
44 g carbohydrate
5 g protein
4 g fiber
64 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
1 Serving
This a very quick smoothie that is good for breakfast or as a snack. In addition to soy isoflavones, this drink provides a good dose of calcium and potassium, lots of vitamin C, plus four grams of fiber — more than many breakfast cereals.
Ingredients:
1 banana
1/2 cup soy milk (organic and calcium-enriched)
1/2 cup orange juice (calcium-enriched)
Instructions:
Peel the banana, break it into pieces and put it in the blender with the soy milk and orange juice. Blend until smooth and serve. If you like, use frozen banana chunks or add a couple of ice cubes.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
202 calories
2 g total fat (1 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
44 g carbohydrate
5 g protein
4 g fiber
64 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
Wednesday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
From Day by Day with the Persecuted Church,
I have sinned against the Lord. (2 Samuel 12:13)
Constantin Caraman
It takes courage to tell a king the truth, especially when the truth will result in punishment. Punishment for the king (by God) and punishment for yourself (by the king). John the Baptist did it and it cost him his head.
When David made some serious mistakes, God sent the prophet Nathan to point them out to him. It was a difficult task for Nathan. Which one of us would like to be a bearer of bad tidings? But Nathan went to tell the king what the consequences of his sin would be. How did David react? Did he have Nathan killed? No, David did something unusual - he accepted the criticism and admitted the guilt, "I have sinned."
He did not try to defend himself, but humbled himself before God. Is this not characteristic of a man after God's own heart?
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23, 24)
Writer for the month - Constantin Caraman from Romania was in prison three times for his faith.
Copyright [C] 1995 Open Doors International. Used by permission.
Click here to sign up for a free monthly newsletter from Open Doors about persecuted Christians.
Day by Day with the Persecuted Churchcompiled by Jan Pit with a forward by Brother Andrew (paperback, revised 2000)
Compelling wisdom from the pen of actual believers living amidst persecution, you'll be connected to the suffering, courage, and depth of life that exists in the harshest places in the world. Each of these 365 thought-provoking devotions will deepen your understanding of Christian persecution and provoke you to pray for our brothers and sisters with a new found depth.
To order your copy of this devotional, click
Verse of the Day for September 23, 2009
Verse of the Day for September 23, 2009
Galatians 6:6
Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. (NIV)
Meditation
You've been given a wonderful gift if you have someone who is willing to help you in your spiritual walk. Who in your life has been a mentor to you? How can you show your appreciation to him or her?
Galatians 6:6
Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. (NIV)
Meditation
You've been given a wonderful gift if you have someone who is willing to help you in your spiritual walk. Who in your life has been a mentor to you? How can you show your appreciation to him or her?
Wednesday - The Sayings of Jesus
Mark 4:3-20
3) "Listen! A sower went out to sow. 4) And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. 5) Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it had not much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil; 6) and when the sun rose it was scorched, and since it had no root it withered away. 7) Other seed fell among thorns and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. 8) And other seeds fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold." 9) And he said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." 10) And when he was alone, those who were about him with the twelve asked him concerning the parables. 11) And he said to them, "To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables; 12) so that they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand; lest they should turn again, and be forgiven." And he said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? 14) The sower sows the word. 15) And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown; when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word which is sown in them. 16) And these in like manner are the ones sown upon rocky ground, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; 17) and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. 18) And others are the ones sown among thorns; they are those who hear the word, 19) but the cares of the world, and the delight in riches, and the desire for other things, enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 20) But those that were sown upon the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold."
3) "Listen! A sower went out to sow. 4) And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. 5) Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it had not much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil; 6) and when the sun rose it was scorched, and since it had no root it withered away. 7) Other seed fell among thorns and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. 8) And other seeds fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold." 9) And he said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." 10) And when he was alone, those who were about him with the twelve asked him concerning the parables. 11) And he said to them, "To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables; 12) so that they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand; lest they should turn again, and be forgiven." And he said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? 14) The sower sows the word. 15) And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown; when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word which is sown in them. 16) And these in like manner are the ones sown upon rocky ground, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; 17) and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. 18) And others are the ones sown among thorns; they are those who hear the word, 19) but the cares of the world, and the delight in riches, and the desire for other things, enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 20) But those that were sown upon the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold."
Sarah Michelle Gellar Prinze & Freddie Prinze, Jr. welcome their first child :)
Actress Sarah Michelle Prinze and Freddie Prinze, Jr. have their first child, a daughter they've named Charlotte Grace. PEOPLE reports that Prinze gave birth on Saturday, September 19 in Los Angeles. A rep for the actress said, "The family is over the moon."
'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' star Sarah Michelle recently changed her last name from Gellar to Prinze in preparation for parenthood. Freddie Prinze Jr. will star on the upcoming season of '24.' The couple, who co-starred in 'Scooby-Doo' in 2002, married in Mexico the same year.
'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' star Sarah Michelle recently changed her last name from Gellar to Prinze in preparation for parenthood. Freddie Prinze Jr. will star on the upcoming season of '24.' The couple, who co-starred in 'Scooby-Doo' in 2002, married in Mexico the same year.
September 22, 2009
HOW TO PRAY WITH POWERFUL RESULTS
HOW TO PRAY WITH POWERFUL RESULTS
-Paraphrased from a Message by Charles Spurgeon-
James 5:16 (KJV)
Confess your faults one to another,
and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
James 4:6-10 (KJV)
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
{7} Submit yourselves therefore to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
{8} Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
8Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
{9} Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep:
let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
{10} Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
--------------------Do you often lament that your prayers aren't answered? Have you given up going to God with your every concern because you aren't seeing results of your prayer time? Do you think God may be ignoring you?Include these attitudes in your prayer life:PRAY CONFIDENTLY
If you begin by doubting, your prayer will falter. God tells us:
(Mat 9:27-30a KJV)
And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying,
Thou son of David, have mercy on us.
{28} And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him:
and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this?
They said unto him, Yea, Lord.
{29} Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.
{30} And their eyes were opened;
When you are in a time of trouble, ask God for help, believing that He is able to give it. Ask, expecting that He will give it.
John 16:23b-24 (KJV)
Verily, verily, I say unto you,
Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name,
He will give it to you.
{24} Until now, have ye asked nothing in my name:
ask, and ye shall receive,
that your joy may be full.
REMEMBER GOD'S FAITHFULNESS
Seek out God, appealing to His promises and remembering what He has done for you.
Psa 77:10-14 (KJV)
And I said, This is my infirmity:
but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.
{11} I will remember the works of the LORD:
surely I will remember thy wonders of old.
{12} I will meditate also on all thy work, and talk of thy doings.
{13} Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary:
who is so great a God as our God?
{14} Thou art the God that doest wonders:
thou hast declared thy strength among the people.
Then remember the constancy of Jesus Christ
(Heb 13:8 KJV)
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Remember the Majestic Nature of Jesus Christ
Heb 1:8-12 (KJV)
But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever:
a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
{9} Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity;
therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee
with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
{10} And, Thou, Lord,
in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth;
and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
{11} They shall perish; but thou remainest;
and they all shall become old as doth a garment;
{12} And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed:
but thou art the same,
and thy years shall not fail.
RELY ON HIS PROMISES
First, read Scriptures so that you know what those promises are, then grasp the mighty faithfulness of God with a grip of determination.
Deu 26:17-19 (KJV)
Thou hast avouched {Heb=confessed, affirmed} the LORD this day to be thy God,
and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes,
and his commandments, and his judgments,
and to hearken unto his voice:
{18} And the LORD hath avouched (H=declared, certified) thee this day to be his peculiar people,
as he hath promised thee,
and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments;
{19} And to make thee high above all nations which he hath made,
in praise, and in name, and in honour;
and that thou mayest be an holy people unto the LORD thy God,
as he hath spoken.
2 Sam 7:28-29 (KJV)
And now, O Lord GOD,
thou art that God, and thy words be true,
and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant:
{29} Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant,
that it may continue for ever before thee:
for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken it:
and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever.
ADMIT YOUR WEAKNESSES TO THE LORD
Set your case before God, laying bare all your sorrow and all your needs, then say, "Lord, there it is." Share your soul with Him. He is not moved by eloquence of words or oratory of tongue, but is swift to answer the true oratory, the true eloquence of real distress, and is asable to detect false misery as to relieve real sorrow. He loves for us to state the difficulty we are in. Then, when He gets us out of it, we may remember the sorry condition we were in, with gratitude and rejoicing.
Psa 6:2-9 (KJV)
Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak:
O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
{3} My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?
{4} Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.
{5} For in death there is no remembrance of thee:
in the grave who shall give thee thanks?
{6} I am weary with my groaning;
all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
{7} Mine eye is consumed because of grief;
it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.
{8} Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity;
for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
{9} The LORD hath heard my supplication;
the LORD will receive my prayer.
Declare your trust.
Express your confidence in God. Look to Him for your rescue, knowing that it will come. Your eyes may be filled with tears, but keep looking toward Him. As you look, your eyes will get stronger, and you will become enlightened with His wisdom and direction.
Psa 123:1-2 (KJV)
Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.
{2} Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters,
and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress;
so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God,
until that he have mercy upon us.
-----------
Bible Verses about Prayer to Contemplate
1 Th 5:16-19 (KJV)
Rejoice evermore.
{17} Pray without ceasing.
{18} In every thing give thanks:
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
{19} Quench not the Spirit.
Psa 86 (TLB)
Bend down and hear my prayer, O Lord,
and answer me, for I am deep in trouble.
{2} Protect me from death, for I try to follow all your laws.
Save me, for I am serving you and trusting you.
{3} Be merciful, O Lord, for I am looking up to you in constant hope.
{4} Give me happiness, O Lord, for I worship only you.
{5} O Lord, you are so good and kind, so ready to forgive,
so full of mercy for all who ask your aid.
{6} Listen closely to my prayer, O God. Hear my urgent cry.
{7} I will call to you whenever trouble strikes,
and you will help me.
{8} Where among the heathen gods is there a god like you?
Where are their miracles?
{9} All the nations--and you made each one--
will come and bow before you, Lord,
and praise your great and holy name.
{10} For you are great and do great miracles.
You alone are God.
{11} Tell me where you want me to go and I will go there.
May every fiber of my being unite in reverence to your name.
{12} With all my heart I will praise you.
I will give glory to your name forever,
{13} for you love me so much! You are constantly so kind!
You have rescued me from deepest hell.
{14} O God, proud and insolent men defy me;
violent, godless men are trying to kill me.
{15} But you are merciful and gentle, Lord, slow in getting angry,
full of constant loving-kindness and of truth;
{16} so look down in pity
and grant strength to your servant and save me.
{17} Send me a sign of your favor.
When those who hate me see it,
they will lose face because you help and comfort me.
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
-Paraphrased from a Message by Charles Spurgeon-
James 5:16 (KJV)
Confess your faults one to another,
and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
James 4:6-10 (KJV)
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
{7} Submit yourselves therefore to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
{8} Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
8Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
{9} Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep:
let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
{10} Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
--------------------Do you often lament that your prayers aren't answered? Have you given up going to God with your every concern because you aren't seeing results of your prayer time? Do you think God may be ignoring you?Include these attitudes in your prayer life:PRAY CONFIDENTLY
If you begin by doubting, your prayer will falter. God tells us:
(Mat 9:27-30a KJV)
And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying,
Thou son of David, have mercy on us.
{28} And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him:
and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this?
They said unto him, Yea, Lord.
{29} Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.
{30} And their eyes were opened;
When you are in a time of trouble, ask God for help, believing that He is able to give it. Ask, expecting that He will give it.
John 16:23b-24 (KJV)
Verily, verily, I say unto you,
Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name,
He will give it to you.
{24} Until now, have ye asked nothing in my name:
ask, and ye shall receive,
that your joy may be full.
REMEMBER GOD'S FAITHFULNESS
Seek out God, appealing to His promises and remembering what He has done for you.
Psa 77:10-14 (KJV)
And I said, This is my infirmity:
but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.
{11} I will remember the works of the LORD:
surely I will remember thy wonders of old.
{12} I will meditate also on all thy work, and talk of thy doings.
{13} Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary:
who is so great a God as our God?
{14} Thou art the God that doest wonders:
thou hast declared thy strength among the people.
Then remember the constancy of Jesus Christ
(Heb 13:8 KJV)
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Remember the Majestic Nature of Jesus Christ
Heb 1:8-12 (KJV)
But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever:
a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
{9} Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity;
therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee
with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
{10} And, Thou, Lord,
in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth;
and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
{11} They shall perish; but thou remainest;
and they all shall become old as doth a garment;
{12} And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed:
but thou art the same,
and thy years shall not fail.
RELY ON HIS PROMISES
First, read Scriptures so that you know what those promises are, then grasp the mighty faithfulness of God with a grip of determination.
Deu 26:17-19 (KJV)
Thou hast avouched {Heb=confessed, affirmed} the LORD this day to be thy God,
and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes,
and his commandments, and his judgments,
and to hearken unto his voice:
{18} And the LORD hath avouched (H=declared, certified) thee this day to be his peculiar people,
as he hath promised thee,
and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments;
{19} And to make thee high above all nations which he hath made,
in praise, and in name, and in honour;
and that thou mayest be an holy people unto the LORD thy God,
as he hath spoken.
2 Sam 7:28-29 (KJV)
And now, O Lord GOD,
thou art that God, and thy words be true,
and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant:
{29} Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant,
that it may continue for ever before thee:
for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken it:
and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever.
ADMIT YOUR WEAKNESSES TO THE LORD
Set your case before God, laying bare all your sorrow and all your needs, then say, "Lord, there it is." Share your soul with Him. He is not moved by eloquence of words or oratory of tongue, but is swift to answer the true oratory, the true eloquence of real distress, and is asable to detect false misery as to relieve real sorrow. He loves for us to state the difficulty we are in. Then, when He gets us out of it, we may remember the sorry condition we were in, with gratitude and rejoicing.
Psa 6:2-9 (KJV)
Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak:
O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
{3} My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?
{4} Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.
{5} For in death there is no remembrance of thee:
in the grave who shall give thee thanks?
{6} I am weary with my groaning;
all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
{7} Mine eye is consumed because of grief;
it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.
{8} Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity;
for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
{9} The LORD hath heard my supplication;
the LORD will receive my prayer.
Declare your trust.
Express your confidence in God. Look to Him for your rescue, knowing that it will come. Your eyes may be filled with tears, but keep looking toward Him. As you look, your eyes will get stronger, and you will become enlightened with His wisdom and direction.
Psa 123:1-2 (KJV)
Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.
{2} Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters,
and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress;
so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God,
until that he have mercy upon us.
-----------
Bible Verses about Prayer to Contemplate
1 Th 5:16-19 (KJV)
Rejoice evermore.
{17} Pray without ceasing.
{18} In every thing give thanks:
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
{19} Quench not the Spirit.
Psa 86 (TLB)
Bend down and hear my prayer, O Lord,
and answer me, for I am deep in trouble.
{2} Protect me from death, for I try to follow all your laws.
Save me, for I am serving you and trusting you.
{3} Be merciful, O Lord, for I am looking up to you in constant hope.
{4} Give me happiness, O Lord, for I worship only you.
{5} O Lord, you are so good and kind, so ready to forgive,
so full of mercy for all who ask your aid.
{6} Listen closely to my prayer, O God. Hear my urgent cry.
{7} I will call to you whenever trouble strikes,
and you will help me.
{8} Where among the heathen gods is there a god like you?
Where are their miracles?
{9} All the nations--and you made each one--
will come and bow before you, Lord,
and praise your great and holy name.
{10} For you are great and do great miracles.
You alone are God.
{11} Tell me where you want me to go and I will go there.
May every fiber of my being unite in reverence to your name.
{12} With all my heart I will praise you.
I will give glory to your name forever,
{13} for you love me so much! You are constantly so kind!
You have rescued me from deepest hell.
{14} O God, proud and insolent men defy me;
violent, godless men are trying to kill me.
{15} But you are merciful and gentle, Lord, slow in getting angry,
full of constant loving-kindness and of truth;
{16} so look down in pity
and grant strength to your servant and save me.
{17} Send me a sign of your favor.
When those who hate me see it,
they will lose face because you help and comfort me.
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
Verse of the Day for September 22, 2009
Verse of the Day for September 22, 2009
1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of the faith. (NIV)
Meditation
Faith is the battle between belief and doubt. When you experience doubt, you may be tempted to think you have lost your faith. But take heart. If you did not have any faith, doubt would have nothing to fight against. How goes the battle?
1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of the faith. (NIV)
Meditation
Faith is the battle between belief and doubt. When you experience doubt, you may be tempted to think you have lost your faith. But take heart. If you did not have any faith, doubt would have nothing to fight against. How goes the battle?
Tuesday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
Contagious Faith
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Colossians 3:23 NIV
Are you genuinely excited about your faith? And do you make your enthusiasm known to those around you? Or are you a "silent ambassador" for Christ? God's preference is clear: He intends that you stand before others and proclaim your faith.
Genuine, heartfelt Christianity is contagious. If you enjoy a life-altering relationship with God, that relationship will have an impact on others--perhaps a profound impact.
Does Christ reign over your life? Then share your testimony and your excitement. The world needs both.
Your enthusiasm will be infectious, stimulating, and attractive to others. They will love you for it. They will go for you and with you. Norman Vincent Peale
Prayer must be aflame. Prayer without fervor is as a sun without light or heat, or as a flower without beauty or fragrance. A soul devoted to God is a fervent soul, and prayer is the creature of that flame. He only can truly pray who is all aglow for holiness, for God, and for heaven. E. M. Bounds
Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn. John Wesley
Don't take hold of a thing unless you want that thing to take hold of you. E. Stanley Jones
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, I know that others are watching the way that I live my life. Help me to be an enthusiastic Christian with a faith that is contagious. Amen
Tuesday - The Sayings of Jesus
Matthew 10:5-15
5) These twelve Jesus sent out, charging them, "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6) but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7) And preach as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' 8) Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying, give without pay. 9) Take no gold, nor silver, nor copper in your belts, 10) no bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff; for the laborer deserves his food. 11) And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it, and stay with him until you depart. 12) As you enter the house, salute it. 13) And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14) And if any one will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. 15) Truly, I say to you, it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomor'rah than for that town. Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."
5) These twelve Jesus sent out, charging them, "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6) but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7) And preach as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' 8) Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying, give without pay. 9) Take no gold, nor silver, nor copper in your belts, 10) no bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff; for the laborer deserves his food. 11) And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it, and stay with him until you depart. 12) As you enter the house, salute it. 13) And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14) And if any one will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. 15) Truly, I say to you, it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomor'rah than for that town. Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."
Spaghetti a la Calabrese
Spaghetti a la Calabrese
Makes: 2 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Monday, December 17, 2007
When hunger strikes and your cupboard is bare, call this recipe in for back-up. You can always keep these simple ingredients on hand for a fast and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
1 (6 oz.) pkg. spaghetti
1/2 cup butter
2 tbsp. minced garlic
1 cup grated Romano cheese
Methods/steps
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. Immediately place pasta in a large bowl and mix in butter, garlic and cheese. After butter has completely melted, serve.
Additional Tips
Prep Time 10 Min Cook Time 10 Min Ready In 20 Min
Makes: 2 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Monday, December 17, 2007
When hunger strikes and your cupboard is bare, call this recipe in for back-up. You can always keep these simple ingredients on hand for a fast and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
1 (6 oz.) pkg. spaghetti
1/2 cup butter
2 tbsp. minced garlic
1 cup grated Romano cheese
Methods/steps
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. Immediately place pasta in a large bowl and mix in butter, garlic and cheese. After butter has completely melted, serve.
Additional Tips
Prep Time 10 Min Cook Time 10 Min Ready In 20 Min
Taco Salad
Taco Salad
2 Servings
Fast food taco salads are considered one of the highest fat, highest calorie choices at Mexican fast food restaurants. Ours is a wonderful alternative. Grate the cheese and add to the salad. Warm the beans if you like and add a little ground chicken, turkey or crumbled tempeh. Even though the carbohydrate content of this salad seems high, it has a very low glycemic index. The beans are also a rich source of folic acid and contribute to the high fiber content.
Ingredients:
4 cups lettuce, torn into pieces
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 cup pinto beans, drained of juice
2 oz baked tortilla chips, broken into pieces
1/4 cup salsa
Instructions:
In a salad bowl, mix together the vegetables, pinto beans and tortilla chips. Add the salsa and stir gently to blend.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
203 calories
2 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
40 g carbohydrate
11 g protein
11 g fiber
213 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
2 Servings
Fast food taco salads are considered one of the highest fat, highest calorie choices at Mexican fast food restaurants. Ours is a wonderful alternative. Grate the cheese and add to the salad. Warm the beans if you like and add a little ground chicken, turkey or crumbled tempeh. Even though the carbohydrate content of this salad seems high, it has a very low glycemic index. The beans are also a rich source of folic acid and contribute to the high fiber content.
Ingredients:
4 cups lettuce, torn into pieces
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 cup pinto beans, drained of juice
2 oz baked tortilla chips, broken into pieces
1/4 cup salsa
Instructions:
In a salad bowl, mix together the vegetables, pinto beans and tortilla chips. Add the salsa and stir gently to blend.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
203 calories
2 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
40 g carbohydrate
11 g protein
11 g fiber
213 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
September 21, 2009
Verse of the Day for September 21, 2009
Verse of the Day for September 21, 2009
Jude 1:20
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
Meditation
Who are the people closest to you? Don't forget to build these people up in the faith. Sit down together, talk, pray, encourage! Who needs a word of encouragement from you today? What are you going to do about it?
Jude 1:20
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
Meditation
Who are the people closest to you? Don't forget to build these people up in the faith. Sit down together, talk, pray, encourage! Who needs a word of encouragement from you today? What are you going to do about it?
Tomato-Basil Angel Hair
Tomato-Basil Angel Hair
Makes: 4 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Friday, December 14, 2007
You don't need a wing or a prayer to enjoy this amazing yet easy angel hair dish. Drawing on the fresh flavors of tomato and basil, it's sure to satisfy without a whole lot of fuss.
Ingredients
3 cans stewed tomatoes
4 cloves garlic, sliced
1 small onion, diced
3 tbsp. olive oil
3-4 tbsp. fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 lb. angel hair pasta, cooked (reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water)
2 tbsp. Parmesan cheese
Methods/steps
Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil. Add tomatoes and stir. Cook on medium heat for 10-15 minutes. Add pasta water and basil and cook for 2 minutes. Add angel hair and toss. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Additional Tips
Ready in 25 min 10 min prep
Makes: 4 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Friday, December 14, 2007
You don't need a wing or a prayer to enjoy this amazing yet easy angel hair dish. Drawing on the fresh flavors of tomato and basil, it's sure to satisfy without a whole lot of fuss.
Ingredients
3 cans stewed tomatoes
4 cloves garlic, sliced
1 small onion, diced
3 tbsp. olive oil
3-4 tbsp. fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 lb. angel hair pasta, cooked (reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water)
2 tbsp. Parmesan cheese
Methods/steps
Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil. Add tomatoes and stir. Cook on medium heat for 10-15 minutes. Add pasta water and basil and cook for 2 minutes. Add angel hair and toss. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Additional Tips
Ready in 25 min 10 min prep
Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted Cauliflower
Roasting members of the brassica family brings out a hidden nutty sweetness that could change a few minds about these oft-maligned vegetables.
Makes 4 servings, 1 1/2 cups each
Ingredients:
8 cups bite-size cauliflower florets (about 1 head), sliced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 450°F. Place florets in a large bowl with oil, salt and pepper and toss to coat. Spread out on a baking sheet. Roast the vegetables, stirring once, until tender-crisp and browned in spots, 15 to 25 minutes. Serve hot or warm with lemon wedges, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Per serving:
113 calories
7 g fat (1 g sat, 5 g mono)
0 mg cholesterol
11 g carbohydrate
4 g protein
5 g fiber
351 mg sodium
Roasting members of the brassica family brings out a hidden nutty sweetness that could change a few minds about these oft-maligned vegetables.
Makes 4 servings, 1 1/2 cups each
Ingredients:
8 cups bite-size cauliflower florets (about 1 head), sliced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 450°F. Place florets in a large bowl with oil, salt and pepper and toss to coat. Spread out on a baking sheet. Roast the vegetables, stirring once, until tender-crisp and browned in spots, 15 to 25 minutes. Serve hot or warm with lemon wedges, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Per serving:
113 calories
7 g fat (1 g sat, 5 g mono)
0 mg cholesterol
11 g carbohydrate
4 g protein
5 g fiber
351 mg sodium
Monday - The Sayings of Jesus
John 3:1-16
1) Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicode'mus, a ruler of the Jews. 2) This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him." 3) Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4) Nicode'mus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" 5) Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7) Do not marvel that I said to you, `You must be born anew.' 8) The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit." 9) Nicode'mus said to him, "How can this be?" 10) Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand this? 11) Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen; but you do not receive our testimony. 12) If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13) No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man. 14) And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, 15) that whoever believes in him may have eternal life." 16) For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
1) Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicode'mus, a ruler of the Jews. 2) This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him." 3) Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4) Nicode'mus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" 5) Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7) Do not marvel that I said to you, `You must be born anew.' 8) The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit." 9) Nicode'mus said to him, "How can this be?" 10) Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand this? 11) Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen; but you do not receive our testimony. 12) If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13) No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man. 14) And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, 15) that whoever believes in him may have eternal life." 16) For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Monday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
Week of Sept. 21
Embracing Our Roles
Just as in the Corinthian church, today's society is in much cultural confusion. Satan's plan to destroy God's balance between men and women is succeeding. Men are refusing to live up to their God-given responsibility of spiritual leadership in the homes, and women are frustrated and depressed.
In 1 Corinthians 11:1-16, we see the apostle Paul confronting this confusion about roles and identity. In Corinth there was disorder in the function of men and women in society, an uncertainty that entered into the church. Paul corrects their misunderstandings, explaining that while men and women are equal in every way, they have different functions.
Paul's lesson is summarized in these two verses: "Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God....In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman" (1 Corinthians 11:3,11). Just as there are different functions between the Father and the Son, so are there different roles between men and women. While Father and Son are different, they are still equal--just as men and women are equal.
We all have God-given roles and purposes on this earth and in His kingdom. Paul never makes a distinction between men and women as far as their personal worth, their abilities, their intellect is concerned or their spirituality is concerned. They are equal with different roles.
What does Paul mean when he talks about the concept of submission? Just as the Church submits to Jesus Christ in response to His love for us, the woman should respond to the love of the man. "Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything" (Ephesians 5:24).
Jesus Himself submitted to the will of the Father. Without Jesus' submission, the Father's plan of salvation would not have been completed. "I seek not to please myself but him who sent me....For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me" (John 5:30, 6:38).
Submission should not be taken advantage of by the man. The Scripture commands men to honor women, not to abuse them. "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her....In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself" (Ephesians 5:25,28).
While the man may have spiritual leadership, he is not independent of the woman. Paul says, "In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God" (1 Corinthians 11:11,12).
The core of what Paul addresses in this passage is rebellion of the heart against the roles and functions given by God. The enemy uses rebellion to convince us that God does not love us or have our best interests at heart. But God does love us and He does everything perfectly. Adam and Eve wanted to be gods, and humanity has been trying ever since. But no matter the form of rebellion we hold in our hearts, we can confess that to God and be forgiven.
Are you resentful of the role that God has assigned you? Or are you content to be where God has called you? Is the motivation for your actions an attempt to prove something to others, or is it obedience to the will of God? If you have been in rebellion against God's role for you, confess that to Him today. Pray for His peace and contentment in His purpose for your life.
"At the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'...So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." Matthew 19:4-6
****
Don't be tempted to toss in the towel and give up running the race. Shore up your confidence in God, today. Michael Youssef explores this topic in our free resource this month--"Don't Lose Your Confidence." Download it today.
We are Leading The Way for people living in spiritual darkness, at home and around the world, to discover the light of Christ as we passionately proclaim uncompromising Truth. Visit us today at http://www.leadingtheway.org/
Don't forget to listen to Dr. Michael Youssef at OnePlace.com!
And to follow Leading The Way on Twitter, click here.
Embracing Our Roles
Just as in the Corinthian church, today's society is in much cultural confusion. Satan's plan to destroy God's balance between men and women is succeeding. Men are refusing to live up to their God-given responsibility of spiritual leadership in the homes, and women are frustrated and depressed.
In 1 Corinthians 11:1-16, we see the apostle Paul confronting this confusion about roles and identity. In Corinth there was disorder in the function of men and women in society, an uncertainty that entered into the church. Paul corrects their misunderstandings, explaining that while men and women are equal in every way, they have different functions.
Paul's lesson is summarized in these two verses: "Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God....In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman" (1 Corinthians 11:3,11). Just as there are different functions between the Father and the Son, so are there different roles between men and women. While Father and Son are different, they are still equal--just as men and women are equal.
We all have God-given roles and purposes on this earth and in His kingdom. Paul never makes a distinction between men and women as far as their personal worth, their abilities, their intellect is concerned or their spirituality is concerned. They are equal with different roles.
What does Paul mean when he talks about the concept of submission? Just as the Church submits to Jesus Christ in response to His love for us, the woman should respond to the love of the man. "Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything" (Ephesians 5:24).
Jesus Himself submitted to the will of the Father. Without Jesus' submission, the Father's plan of salvation would not have been completed. "I seek not to please myself but him who sent me....For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me" (John 5:30, 6:38).
Submission should not be taken advantage of by the man. The Scripture commands men to honor women, not to abuse them. "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her....In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself" (Ephesians 5:25,28).
While the man may have spiritual leadership, he is not independent of the woman. Paul says, "In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God" (1 Corinthians 11:11,12).
The core of what Paul addresses in this passage is rebellion of the heart against the roles and functions given by God. The enemy uses rebellion to convince us that God does not love us or have our best interests at heart. But God does love us and He does everything perfectly. Adam and Eve wanted to be gods, and humanity has been trying ever since. But no matter the form of rebellion we hold in our hearts, we can confess that to God and be forgiven.
Are you resentful of the role that God has assigned you? Or are you content to be where God has called you? Is the motivation for your actions an attempt to prove something to others, or is it obedience to the will of God? If you have been in rebellion against God's role for you, confess that to Him today. Pray for His peace and contentment in His purpose for your life.
"At the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'...So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." Matthew 19:4-6
****
Don't be tempted to toss in the towel and give up running the race. Shore up your confidence in God, today. Michael Youssef explores this topic in our free resource this month--"Don't Lose Your Confidence." Download it today.
We are Leading The Way for people living in spiritual darkness, at home and around the world, to discover the light of Christ as we passionately proclaim uncompromising Truth. Visit us today at http://www.leadingtheway.org/
Don't forget to listen to Dr. Michael Youssef at OnePlace.com!
And to follow Leading The Way on Twitter, click here.
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