Mark 12:28-40
28) And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" 29) Jesus answered, " The first is, `Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; 30) and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' 31) The second is this, `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." 32) And the scribe said to him, "You ar e right, Teacher; you have truly said that he is one, and there is no other but he; 33) and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." 34) And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, " You are not far from the kingdom of God." And after that no one dared to ask him any question. 35) And as Jesus taught in the temple, he said, " How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? 36) David himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, declared, `The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, till I put thy enemies under thy feet.' 37) David himself calls him Lord; so how is he his son? " And the great throng heard him gladly. 38) And in his teaching he said, " Beware of the scribes, who like to go about in long robes, and to have salutations in the market places 39) and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 40) who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation."
October 29, 2009
Creamy Coleslaw With Tofu Mayonnaise
Creamy Coleslaw With Tofu Mayonnaise
2 Servings
This healthy version of an American classic is good with sandwiches. Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable providing indoles which may be related to a reduced risk of breast cancer.
Ingredients:
4 cups shredded cabbage
1 cup shredded carrot
1/4 cup tofu mayonnaise (recipe follows)
1 tsp celery seed (optional)
Instructions:
In a medium bowl, mix together the cabbage and carrot. Add the tofu mayonnaise and celery seed, if you use it, and stir gently to mix well.
Tofu Mayonnaise
Ingredients:
1 cup tofu, regular or silken, drained
2 tsp cider vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp honey (or sugar)
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil preferably
1 tsp herb blend
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together until creamy. Refrigerate.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
99 calories
3 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
16 g carbohydrate
5 g protein
5 g fiber
71 mg sodium
- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com.
Tomorrow's Recipe: Hot Cocoa
2 Servings
This healthy version of an American classic is good with sandwiches. Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable providing indoles which may be related to a reduced risk of breast cancer.
Ingredients:
4 cups shredded cabbage
1 cup shredded carrot
1/4 cup tofu mayonnaise (recipe follows)
1 tsp celery seed (optional)
Instructions:
In a medium bowl, mix together the cabbage and carrot. Add the tofu mayonnaise and celery seed, if you use it, and stir gently to mix well.
Tofu Mayonnaise
Ingredients:
1 cup tofu, regular or silken, drained
2 tsp cider vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp honey (or sugar)
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil preferably
1 tsp herb blend
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together until creamy. Refrigerate.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
99 calories
3 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
16 g carbohydrate
5 g protein
5 g fiber
71 mg sodium
- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com.
Tomorrow's Recipe: Hot Cocoa
Build It Right
Build It Right This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt
The foundation that has already been laid is Jesus Christ, and no one can lay down any other foundation. But if people build on that foundation, using gold, silver, jewels, wood, grass, or straw, their work will be clearly seen, because the Day of Judgment will make it visible. That Day will appear with fire, and the fire will test everyone's work to show what sort of work it was. --1 Corinthians 3:11-14 (NCV)
A parable has been told of a carpenter, who on the verge of retirement, was coaxed into building one last home by a wealthy client. The carpenter was pressed by his own thoughts to put his working days behind him, so he made decisions to cut corners on the project. He used inferior materials and his workmanship was suspect, at best. Clearly his heart was not in the work. Eventually, the carpenter finished the home. It looked good from the outside, yet the carpenter felt guilty, as he knew the quality of the home was not up to his old standards.
On the day that the wealthy client was to take possession of the home, the carpenter received word from the client, saying, "I'm aware of your reputation as a builder. I know how hard you've worked for your clients throughout your career. So, I wanted to reward you at your retirement. I'm giving you the house you've just built." The carpenter was shocked! If he had only known beforehand that this was to be his home, he would have built it with the finest materials and workmanship. But, now it was too late.
This parable reminds me that we all build our lives, much like a carpenter builds a house. Our home-building materials are "what" we build our lives with and include characteristics such as faith, love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and kindness (or their opposites). And our workmanship looks at the "how" we build our lives. Are we living purposefully, pursuing excellence, working with all our hearts, in the name of Jesus and for His glory? Or, has shoddy workmanship been the story of our lives? My own confession: Too often I forget that I'm building my own house. How about you?
One day, the house-building project that is our life, will be completed. And, each of us will stand before the Lord and give an account for our workmanship. Don't be like the carpenter in the parable. Be prepared. Build intentionally. Build it right. Our motivation ought to be to hear the Savior say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
GOING DEEPER:
What does the parable remind you of about your own life?
Is your life in need of some re-modeling? What needs to be fixed?
FURTHER READING:?1 Corinthians 3:10-15; Matthew 25:14-30; Colossians 3:17; Romans 14:12
The foundation that has already been laid is Jesus Christ, and no one can lay down any other foundation. But if people build on that foundation, using gold, silver, jewels, wood, grass, or straw, their work will be clearly seen, because the Day of Judgment will make it visible. That Day will appear with fire, and the fire will test everyone's work to show what sort of work it was. --1 Corinthians 3:11-14 (NCV)
A parable has been told of a carpenter, who on the verge of retirement, was coaxed into building one last home by a wealthy client. The carpenter was pressed by his own thoughts to put his working days behind him, so he made decisions to cut corners on the project. He used inferior materials and his workmanship was suspect, at best. Clearly his heart was not in the work. Eventually, the carpenter finished the home. It looked good from the outside, yet the carpenter felt guilty, as he knew the quality of the home was not up to his old standards.
On the day that the wealthy client was to take possession of the home, the carpenter received word from the client, saying, "I'm aware of your reputation as a builder. I know how hard you've worked for your clients throughout your career. So, I wanted to reward you at your retirement. I'm giving you the house you've just built." The carpenter was shocked! If he had only known beforehand that this was to be his home, he would have built it with the finest materials and workmanship. But, now it was too late.
This parable reminds me that we all build our lives, much like a carpenter builds a house. Our home-building materials are "what" we build our lives with and include characteristics such as faith, love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and kindness (or their opposites). And our workmanship looks at the "how" we build our lives. Are we living purposefully, pursuing excellence, working with all our hearts, in the name of Jesus and for His glory? Or, has shoddy workmanship been the story of our lives? My own confession: Too often I forget that I'm building my own house. How about you?
One day, the house-building project that is our life, will be completed. And, each of us will stand before the Lord and give an account for our workmanship. Don't be like the carpenter in the parable. Be prepared. Build intentionally. Build it right. Our motivation ought to be to hear the Savior say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
GOING DEEPER:
What does the parable remind you of about your own life?
Is your life in need of some re-modeling? What needs to be fixed?
FURTHER READING:?1 Corinthians 3:10-15; Matthew 25:14-30; Colossians 3:17; Romans 14:12
Fresh Kosher Dill Pickles
Fresh Kosher Dill Pickles
Created by The MDM Team, Thursday, November 22, 2007
Why settle for store-bought pickles when you can make the real deal all by yourself? This original recipe offers a crunch and munch that will send the Vlasic stork flying south.
Ingredients
1/4 cup kosher or pickling salt
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 1/2 quarts water
2 1/2 lbs. cucumbers
Methods/steps
Wash 2 1/2 lb. pickling cucumbers and cut into spears. Peel and flatten 1 clove garlic and wash 6 to 8 sprigs fresh dill. Place the cucumbers, garlic, dill and 1 tsp. pickling spices into a scalded ceramic bowl. Bring to a boil: Boil for 2 minutes. Pour over cucumbers. Weight with a scalded plate and a scalded jar of water. Let sit overnight at room temperature. Pack into scalded jars. Refrigerate
Created by The MDM Team, Thursday, November 22, 2007
Why settle for store-bought pickles when you can make the real deal all by yourself? This original recipe offers a crunch and munch that will send the Vlasic stork flying south.
Ingredients
1/4 cup kosher or pickling salt
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 1/2 quarts water
2 1/2 lbs. cucumbers
Methods/steps
Wash 2 1/2 lb. pickling cucumbers and cut into spears. Peel and flatten 1 clove garlic and wash 6 to 8 sprigs fresh dill. Place the cucumbers, garlic, dill and 1 tsp. pickling spices into a scalded ceramic bowl. Bring to a boil: Boil for 2 minutes. Pour over cucumbers. Weight with a scalded plate and a scalded jar of water. Let sit overnight at room temperature. Pack into scalded jars. Refrigerate
October 28, 2009
Pink Lentil Curry
Pink Lentil Curry
6 Servings
Lentils are a wonderful source of protein, calcium, and iron. They are a staple ingredient in Indian cooking, and combine well with many different seasonings. You may be most familiar with brown or green lentils, but there are lentils out there in black, yellow, red and pink. Look for these more exotic varieties in Indian and specialty food stores. Similarly, not all curry powders are the same, ranging from quite mild to very hot. In making this side dish, start with a small amount and taste it to be sure your dish meets the comfort and taste level of your guests!
Ingredients:
1 pound pink lentils
1 tablespoon canola oil
2-3 cups chopped vegetables (onions, carrots, celery, cabbage and whatever vegetables you like)
Curry powder to taste
2-4 cloves garlic, mashed
1 tablespoon chopped gingerroot
Salt or soy sauce to taste
Hot cooked rice
Instructions:
1. Pick over lentils, removing any stones or foreign matter. Place in a bowl or colander and rinse thoroughly. Place lentils in pot with enough cold water to cover well. Bring to a boil, lower heat, and cook, partially covered, until lentils become a thick mush (about one hour).
2. Meanwhile, heat canola oil in skillet, add vegetables and a little water, stir and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are barely tender.
3. Add curry powder, garlic, ginger and salt or soy sauce. Stir, then replace cover and simmer until vegetables are tender.
4. Add vegetables to lentil mixture. Toss together, correct seasonings, and simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
5. Serve with rice.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
483 calories
4 g total fat (0 g sat)
90 g carbohydrate
24 g protein
18 g fiber
350 mg sodium
- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
6 Servings
Lentils are a wonderful source of protein, calcium, and iron. They are a staple ingredient in Indian cooking, and combine well with many different seasonings. You may be most familiar with brown or green lentils, but there are lentils out there in black, yellow, red and pink. Look for these more exotic varieties in Indian and specialty food stores. Similarly, not all curry powders are the same, ranging from quite mild to very hot. In making this side dish, start with a small amount and taste it to be sure your dish meets the comfort and taste level of your guests!
Ingredients:
1 pound pink lentils
1 tablespoon canola oil
2-3 cups chopped vegetables (onions, carrots, celery, cabbage and whatever vegetables you like)
Curry powder to taste
2-4 cloves garlic, mashed
1 tablespoon chopped gingerroot
Salt or soy sauce to taste
Hot cooked rice
Instructions:
1. Pick over lentils, removing any stones or foreign matter. Place in a bowl or colander and rinse thoroughly. Place lentils in pot with enough cold water to cover well. Bring to a boil, lower heat, and cook, partially covered, until lentils become a thick mush (about one hour).
2. Meanwhile, heat canola oil in skillet, add vegetables and a little water, stir and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are barely tender.
3. Add curry powder, garlic, ginger and salt or soy sauce. Stir, then replace cover and simmer until vegetables are tender.
4. Add vegetables to lentil mixture. Toss together, correct seasonings, and simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
5. Serve with rice.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
483 calories
4 g total fat (0 g sat)
90 g carbohydrate
24 g protein
18 g fiber
350 mg sodium
- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
Encourage One Another
Encourage One Another
Today's Scripture
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV
Thoughts for Today
Many scriptures exhort believers to encourage one another. And yet, sometimes we get so busy in our own lives that we neglect thinking about others. We may become insensitive to the concerns of those around us.
So how can we be a better encourager? The first step may be to ask God to help us be less self-focused and to be more sensitive to the needs of others. And then we need to ask his wisdom in knowing how to encourage our brother or sister in Christ. Sometimes it takes a listening ear--just showing we care by really listening to what they have to say. They might have a problem ... or an idea they are hesitant to move ahead with ... or some special challenge. Just knowing that someone values them enough to listen can be an encouragement.
Perhaps they need words of encouragement. Nothing can be more encouraging than God's Word, shared from a loving heart.
Maybe they need us to show our faith in them with an action. As we prayerfully approach them, God will guide.
Consider this...
As you consider these thoughts, does someone come to your mind? Someone who may need encouragement? Pray ... and take action. Call ... or meet for coffee or dinner ... or just sit down and have a heart to heart. Find out what is on his or her mind ... listen ... share God's Word ... demonstrate your confidence in him (or her).
And day by day ask God to help you get out of the box of your own world and find ways to encourage others.
Prayer
Father, I know that sometimes I get so caught up in my own life that I don't even notice others who may need encouragement. Help me to be less self-focused and more sensitive to the needs around me. Help me to be an encourager. In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from...
Understanding Depression: Overcoming Despair through Christ by Donald G. Miles, Ed.D. This study deals with depression, a condition common throughout the world, and is suggested for use in support groups and Christian counseling.
Understanding what depression is and how it affects relationships
Understanding the relationship between depression and spiritual warfare
Ways to fight depression with scripture, prayer and mutual support
Understanding the special prayer needs of depressed persons
How to pray for healing and what to expect
Serves as a powerful evangelistic tool by providing a way to minister to people's felt needs and then lead them to Christ
Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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.
Today's Scripture
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV
Thoughts for Today
Many scriptures exhort believers to encourage one another. And yet, sometimes we get so busy in our own lives that we neglect thinking about others. We may become insensitive to the concerns of those around us.
So how can we be a better encourager? The first step may be to ask God to help us be less self-focused and to be more sensitive to the needs of others. And then we need to ask his wisdom in knowing how to encourage our brother or sister in Christ. Sometimes it takes a listening ear--just showing we care by really listening to what they have to say. They might have a problem ... or an idea they are hesitant to move ahead with ... or some special challenge. Just knowing that someone values them enough to listen can be an encouragement.
Perhaps they need words of encouragement. Nothing can be more encouraging than God's Word, shared from a loving heart.
Maybe they need us to show our faith in them with an action. As we prayerfully approach them, God will guide.
Consider this...
As you consider these thoughts, does someone come to your mind? Someone who may need encouragement? Pray ... and take action. Call ... or meet for coffee or dinner ... or just sit down and have a heart to heart. Find out what is on his or her mind ... listen ... share God's Word ... demonstrate your confidence in him (or her).
And day by day ask God to help you get out of the box of your own world and find ways to encourage others.
Prayer
Father, I know that sometimes I get so caught up in my own life that I don't even notice others who may need encouragement. Help me to be less self-focused and more sensitive to the needs around me. Help me to be an encourager. In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from...
Understanding Depression: Overcoming Despair through Christ by Donald G. Miles, Ed.D. This study deals with depression, a condition common throughout the world, and is suggested for use in support groups and Christian counseling.
Understanding what depression is and how it affects relationships
Understanding the relationship between depression and spiritual warfare
Ways to fight depression with scripture, prayer and mutual support
Understanding the special prayer needs of depressed persons
How to pray for healing and what to expect
Serves as a powerful evangelistic tool by providing a way to minister to people's felt needs and then lead them to Christ
Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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.
Deluxe Veggie on Skewers
Deluxe Veggie on Skewers
Makes: 8 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Friday, February 15, 2008
A mixture of oil and vinegar combined with fresh rosemary creates a dynamic dressing for this potato and vegetable medley. Prepared on a skewer, it's just right for your grilling repertoire.
Ingredients
8 tiny new potatoes, quartered
2 tbsp. water
8 baby sunburst squash
4 miniature sweet peppers and/or 1 red sweet pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
8 tiny red onions, halved, or 2 small red onions, each cut into 8 wedges
8 baby zucchini or 1 small zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
1/4 cup bottled oil-and-vinegar salad dressing
2 tsp. snipped fresh rosemary or 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary, crushed
Fresh rosemary
Methods/steps
In a 2-quart microwave-safe casserole combine potatoes and water. Micro-cook, covered, on 100% power for 5 minutes. Gently stir in sunburst squash, sweet peppers, and onions. Cook, covered, on high for 4 to 6 minutes or until nearly tender. Drain. Cool slightly.
On eight 10-inch skewers alternately thread the sunburst squash, sweet peppers, onions, and zucchini. In a small bowl combine dressing and the 2 tsp. fresh or 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary; brush over vegetables.
Grill kabobs on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes or until vegetables are tender and browned, turning and brushing occasionally with dressing mixture. Garnish with additional fresh rosemary.
Additional Tips
Ready in 40 min
Makes: 8 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Friday, February 15, 2008
A mixture of oil and vinegar combined with fresh rosemary creates a dynamic dressing for this potato and vegetable medley. Prepared on a skewer, it's just right for your grilling repertoire.
Ingredients
8 tiny new potatoes, quartered
2 tbsp. water
8 baby sunburst squash
4 miniature sweet peppers and/or 1 red sweet pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
8 tiny red onions, halved, or 2 small red onions, each cut into 8 wedges
8 baby zucchini or 1 small zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
1/4 cup bottled oil-and-vinegar salad dressing
2 tsp. snipped fresh rosemary or 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary, crushed
Fresh rosemary
Methods/steps
In a 2-quart microwave-safe casserole combine potatoes and water. Micro-cook, covered, on 100% power for 5 minutes. Gently stir in sunburst squash, sweet peppers, and onions. Cook, covered, on high for 4 to 6 minutes or until nearly tender. Drain. Cool slightly.
On eight 10-inch skewers alternately thread the sunburst squash, sweet peppers, onions, and zucchini. In a small bowl combine dressing and the 2 tsp. fresh or 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary; brush over vegetables.
Grill kabobs on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes or until vegetables are tender and browned, turning and brushing occasionally with dressing mixture. Garnish with additional fresh rosemary.
Additional Tips
Ready in 40 min
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