“The LORD won’t leave his people nor give up his children.” Psalm 94:14
When everyone else rejects you, Christ accepts you. When everyone else leaves you, Christ finds you. When no one else wants you, Christ claims you. When no one else will give you the time of day, Jesus will give you the words of eternity . . .
What is the work of God? Accepting people . . . Caring before condemning.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Such Love - Max Lucado
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34, NIV
How Jesus, with a body wracked with pain, eyes blinded by his own blood, and lungs yearning for air, could speak on behalf of some heartless thugs is beyond my comprehension. Never, never have I seen such love. If ever a person deserved a shot at revenge, Jesus did. But he didn’t take it. Instead he died for them. How could he do it? I don’t know. But I do know that all of a sudden my wounds seem very painless. My grudges and hard feelings are suddenly childish.
How Jesus, with a body wracked with pain, eyes blinded by his own blood, and lungs yearning for air, could speak on behalf of some heartless thugs is beyond my comprehension. Never, never have I seen such love. If ever a person deserved a shot at revenge, Jesus did. But he didn’t take it. Instead he died for them. How could he do it? I don’t know. But I do know that all of a sudden my wounds seem very painless. My grudges and hard feelings are suddenly childish.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
New Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Hungry Hearts
Wednesday Morning Bible Study
9-11 a.m. in the foyer
Discerning the Voice of GOD
How to Recognize when God Speaks by Priscilla Shirer
The Father so passionately loves you that He sent Jesus to die in your place. He desires a personal relationship in which He speaks directly to you. Have you spent most of your Christian life leaning on these beliefs without really experiencing them? Have you been in the presence of passionate believers who shared stirring encounters with God’s voice while your own soul overflowed with confusion? Discerning the Voice of God provides participants with practical help in knowing what you hear is from God. Through this study you will become more familiar with the Holy Spirit...His character, language and tone of voice.
PRISCILLA SHIRER is a Bible teacher whose ministry is focused on the expository teaching of the Word of God to women. Her desire is to see women not only know the uncompromising truths of Scripture intellectually but experience them practically by the power of the Holy Spirit. Priscilla is a graduate of the Dallas Theological Seminary with a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies. For over a decade she has been a conference speaker for major corporations, organizations, and Christian audiences across North America and the world.
This DVD series is a 6 week course running from April 28th until June 2nd.*
The cost of the book is $23.00, and payment is due when you register.
*Dates are subject to change.
Wednesday Morning Bible Study
9-11 a.m. in the foyer
Discerning the Voice of GOD
How to Recognize when God Speaks by Priscilla Shirer
The Father so passionately loves you that He sent Jesus to die in your place. He desires a personal relationship in which He speaks directly to you. Have you spent most of your Christian life leaning on these beliefs without really experiencing them? Have you been in the presence of passionate believers who shared stirring encounters with God’s voice while your own soul overflowed with confusion? Discerning the Voice of God provides participants with practical help in knowing what you hear is from God. Through this study you will become more familiar with the Holy Spirit...His character, language and tone of voice.
PRISCILLA SHIRER is a Bible teacher whose ministry is focused on the expository teaching of the Word of God to women. Her desire is to see women not only know the uncompromising truths of Scripture intellectually but experience them practically by the power of the Holy Spirit. Priscilla is a graduate of the Dallas Theological Seminary with a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies. For over a decade she has been a conference speaker for major corporations, organizations, and Christian audiences across North America and the world.
This DVD series is a 6 week course running from April 28th until June 2nd.*
The cost of the book is $23.00, and payment is due when you register.
*Dates are subject to change.
The Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns
Hi there
Yesterday Laurie shared this song with us - with reference to the Lord of Hosts! The song is about listening to the VOICE of TRUTH!
Thought it would be a good song to add to our blog.
Love Salx
Yesterday Laurie shared this song with us - with reference to the Lord of Hosts! The song is about listening to the VOICE of TRUTH!
Thought it would be a good song to add to our blog.
Love Salx
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Quiet Kindness - Max Lucado
“When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it.” Galatians 6:10
Kind hearts are quietly kind. They let the car cut into traffic and the young mom with three kids move up in the checkout line.
They pick up the neighbor’s trash can that rolled into the street. And they are especially kind at church. They understand that perhaps the neediest person they’ll meet all week is the one standing in the foyer or sitting on the row behind them in worship.
Kind hearts are quietly kind. They let the car cut into traffic and the young mom with three kids move up in the checkout line.
They pick up the neighbor’s trash can that rolled into the street. And they are especially kind at church. They understand that perhaps the neediest person they’ll meet all week is the one standing in the foyer or sitting on the row behind them in worship.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Never More Human - Max Lucado
“He poured out His soul unto death.” Isaiah 53:12 NKJV
The scene is very simple; you’ll recognize it quickly. A grove of twisted olive trees. Ground cluttered with large rocks. A low stone fence. A dark, dark night . . .
See that solitary figure? . . . Flat on the ground. Face stained with dirt and tears. Fists pounding the hard earth . . .
That’s Jesus . . . God was never more human than at this hour. God was never nearer to us than when he hurt.
The scene is very simple; you’ll recognize it quickly. A grove of twisted olive trees. Ground cluttered with large rocks. A low stone fence. A dark, dark night . . .
See that solitary figure? . . . Flat on the ground. Face stained with dirt and tears. Fists pounding the hard earth . . .
That’s Jesus . . . God was never more human than at this hour. God was never nearer to us than when he hurt.
Friday, March 19, 2010
He Knows What You Need - Max Lucado
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 NLT
How did Jesus endure the terror of the crucifixion? He went first to the Father with his fears.
Do the same with yours. Don’t avoid life’s Gardens of Gethsemane. Enter them. Just don’t enter them alone. And while there, be honest. Pounding the ground is permitted. Tears are allowed . . .
And be specific . . . He knows what you need.
How did Jesus endure the terror of the crucifixion? He went first to the Father with his fears.
Do the same with yours. Don’t avoid life’s Gardens of Gethsemane. Enter them. Just don’t enter them alone. And while there, be honest. Pounding the ground is permitted. Tears are allowed . . .
And be specific . . . He knows what you need.
Works Matter - Max Lucado
“If people say they have faith, but do nothing, their faith is worth nothing. Can faith like that save them?” James 2:14
James’ message is bare-knuckled; his style is bare-boned. Talk is cheap, he argues. Service is invaluable.
It’s not that works save the Christian, but that works mark the Christian. In James’ book of logic, it only makes sense that we who have been given much should give much. Not just with words. But with our lives.
James’ message is bare-knuckled; his style is bare-boned. Talk is cheap, he argues. Service is invaluable.
It’s not that works save the Christian, but that works mark the Christian. In James’ book of logic, it only makes sense that we who have been given much should give much. Not just with words. But with our lives.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Chocolate Guinness cake - Published by Chatelaine on 3/1/2009
Submitted by Jennifer Butterfield in honor of St-Patrick's day
Believe it or not, beer does amazing things for cake. Our St. Patrick's Day special is dense and rich, with the slightest undertone of stout.
Preparation time 30 minutes
Baking Time 25 minutes
Makes 12 wedges
•1 and1/2 cups (375 mL) all-purpose flour
•3/4 cup (175 mL) cocoa powder
•1 and 1/2 tsp (7 mL) baking powder
•1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda
•1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
•3/4 cup (175 mL) unsalted butter, at room temperature
•1 cup (250 mL) lightly packed brown sugar
•2 eggs
•1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla •1 cup (250 mL) dark stout beer, such as Guinness, or your favourite beer
•3 cups (750 mL) icing sugar
•1/2 cup (125 mL) cocoa powder
•1/2 cup (125 mL) unsalted butter, at room temperature
•1/3 cup (75 mL) beer or milk
•1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla
•Generous pinch of salt
•1 and 1/4 cups (300 mL) candied beer nuts, chopped (optional)
1.Preheat oven to 350F (180C). Lightly oil or spray two 8-in. (20-cm) round cake pans. Sift flour with cocoa, baking powder, soda and salt into a medium bowl. Stir to mix. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter with sugar for 3 min. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after additions. Beat in vanilla. Using a wooden spoon, stir about one-third of flour mixture into butter mixture. Add half the beer. Repeat additions, ending with flour. Stir just until evenly mixed. Pour batter into pans and smooth top.
2.Bake in centre of oven until a cake tester inserted in centre of cake comes out clean, 25 to 28 min. Cool in pans on a rack for 10 min. Run a knife around inside edge of each pan, then turn cakes out onto a rack. Cool completely.
3.For icing, sift icing sugar with cocoa into a bowl. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter until creamy, 2 to 3 min. Gradually beat half the icing-sugar mixture into the butter, scraping down the sides as needed. The mixture will be dry at this point. Gradually beat in beer or milk, vanilla and salt, then remaining icing-sugar mixture.
4.To frost, place 1 cake, top side down, on a cake plate. Spread one-third of the icing overtop. Sprinkle with 1 cup (250 mL) nuts. Place remaining cake on top, domed side up. Gently press down. Spread it with half the remaining icing, then spread the sides with icing. Garnish with remaining nuts. Cake will keep well, covered, at room temperature, up to 2 days.
Believe it or not, beer does amazing things for cake. Our St. Patrick's Day special is dense and rich, with the slightest undertone of stout.
Baking Time 25 minutes
Makes 12 wedges
•1 and1/2 cups (375 mL) all-purpose flour
•3/4 cup (175 mL) cocoa powder
•1 and 1/2 tsp (7 mL) baking powder
•1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda
•1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
•3/4 cup (175 mL) unsalted butter, at room temperature
•1 cup (250 mL) lightly packed brown sugar
•2 eggs
•1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla •1 cup (250 mL) dark stout beer, such as Guinness, or your favourite beer
•3 cups (750 mL) icing sugar
•1/2 cup (125 mL) cocoa powder
•1/2 cup (125 mL) unsalted butter, at room temperature
•1/3 cup (75 mL) beer or milk
•1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla
•Generous pinch of salt
•1 and 1/4 cups (300 mL) candied beer nuts, chopped (optional)
1.Preheat oven to 350F (180C). Lightly oil or spray two 8-in. (20-cm) round cake pans. Sift flour with cocoa, baking powder, soda and salt into a medium bowl. Stir to mix. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter with sugar for 3 min. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after additions. Beat in vanilla. Using a wooden spoon, stir about one-third of flour mixture into butter mixture. Add half the beer. Repeat additions, ending with flour. Stir just until evenly mixed. Pour batter into pans and smooth top.
2.Bake in centre of oven until a cake tester inserted in centre of cake comes out clean, 25 to 28 min. Cool in pans on a rack for 10 min. Run a knife around inside edge of each pan, then turn cakes out onto a rack. Cool completely.
3.For icing, sift icing sugar with cocoa into a bowl. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter until creamy, 2 to 3 min. Gradually beat half the icing-sugar mixture into the butter, scraping down the sides as needed. The mixture will be dry at this point. Gradually beat in beer or milk, vanilla and salt, then remaining icing-sugar mixture.
4.To frost, place 1 cake, top side down, on a cake plate. Spread one-third of the icing overtop. Sprinkle with 1 cup (250 mL) nuts. Place remaining cake on top, domed side up. Gently press down. Spread it with half the remaining icing, then spread the sides with icing. Garnish with remaining nuts. Cake will keep well, covered, at room temperature, up to 2 days.
'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.' - Malachi 3:3
Submitted by Heidi Numme
Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time.
The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'
He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time.
The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'
He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
His Love Is Not Normal - Max Lucado
“Your love, God, is my song, and I’ll sing it!” Psalm 89:1, The Message
God’s love is not human. His love is not normal. His love sees your sin and loves you still. Does he approve of your error? No.
Do you need to repent? Yes. But do you repent for his sake or yours? Yours. His ego needs no apology. His love needs no bolstering.
And he could not love you more than he does right now.
God’s love is not human. His love is not normal. His love sees your sin and loves you still. Does he approve of your error? No.
Do you need to repent? Yes. But do you repent for his sake or yours? Yours. His ego needs no apology. His love needs no bolstering.
And he could not love you more than he does right now.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Island Salmon with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice
Recipe submitted by Wendy McRae
I made this for dinner tonight and received high praises! The family loved the flavors.
4-6 Salmon Filets (skin on), brushed with a little oil and orange juice
4-6 Slices of pineapple - grilled (for garnish)
For the salsa:
1 mango - cut into bite sized cubes
1 avocado - cut into bite sized cubes
5 strawberries - cut into small pieces
1/4 of a small red onion - diced
1/4 cup of orange juice
Chopped cilantro to taste
Mix everything together
For the coconut rice:
2 cups coconut milk
1 cup water
1 cup jasmine rice
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
1/4 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1/4 cup toasted sweetened coconut (for garnish)
Rince the rice well. Add rice to coconut milk, water, salt and sugar and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 - 20 minutes, until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Add the shredded coconut and mix well. Sprinkle each serving of rice with the toasted coconut before serving.
B.B.Q. the salmon skin side down on an oiled grill at around 400°F , about 20 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork. Spray flames with water if they get too high. Don't overcook it or it will be dry. Top with a slice of grilled pinapple.
Enjoy!
I made this for dinner tonight and received high praises! The family loved the flavors.
4-6 Salmon Filets (skin on), brushed with a little oil and orange juice
4-6 Slices of pineapple - grilled (for garnish)
For the salsa:
1 mango - cut into bite sized cubes
1 avocado - cut into bite sized cubes
5 strawberries - cut into small pieces
1/4 of a small red onion - diced
1/4 cup of orange juice
Chopped cilantro to taste
Mix everything together
For the coconut rice:
2 cups coconut milk
1 cup water
1 cup jasmine rice
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
1/4 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1/4 cup toasted sweetened coconut (for garnish)
Rince the rice well. Add rice to coconut milk, water, salt and sugar and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 - 20 minutes, until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Add the shredded coconut and mix well. Sprinkle each serving of rice with the toasted coconut before serving.
B.B.Q. the salmon skin side down on an oiled grill at around 400°F , about 20 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork. Spray flames with water if they get too high. Don't overcook it or it will be dry. Top with a slice of grilled pinapple.
Enjoy!
REDEEMING LOVE a novel by FRANCINE RIVERS
This book is amazing! I couldn't put it down. A must read!
FROM AMAZON.COM
In this splendid retelling of the biblical story of Hosea, bestselling author Francine Rivers pens a heartbreaking romance between a prostitute and the upright and kind farmer who marries her; the story also functions as a reminder of God's unconditional love for his people. Redeeming Love opens with the Gold Rush of 1850 and its rough-and-tumble atmosphere of greed and desire. Angel, who was sold into prostitution as a child, has learned to distrust all men, who see her only as a way to satisfy their lust. When the virtuous and spiritual-minded Michael Hosea is told by God to marry this "soiled dove," he obeys, despite his misgivings. As Angel learns to love him, she begins to hope again but is soon overwhelmed by fear and returns to her old life. Rivers shines in her ability to weave together spiritual themes and sexual tension in a well-told story, a talent that has propelled her into the spotlight as one of the most popular novelists in the genre of Christian fiction. This is one of her best. --Cindy Crosby
Sunday, March 14, 2010
No More Pain - Max Lucado
“There will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain, because all the old ways are gone.” Revelation 21:4
Folks, if you’re expecting to be given a fair shake in your life, forget it! You won’t be. You’re going to face illness. And your body is going to wear out. You may be the victim of someone else’s mistake. But you can get through those tough times if you prepare your heart now, living to know and serve the Savior who loves you and died so that you might have an eternal home free of pain and sorrow.
Folks, if you’re expecting to be given a fair shake in your life, forget it! You won’t be. You’re going to face illness. And your body is going to wear out. You may be the victim of someone else’s mistake. But you can get through those tough times if you prepare your heart now, living to know and serve the Savior who loves you and died so that you might have an eternal home free of pain and sorrow.
Friday, March 12, 2010
A Good Friend - Max Lucado
“The greatest love a person can show is to die for his friends.” John 15:13
I like John most for the way he loved Jesus. His relationship with Jesus was, . . . simple. To John, Jesus was a good friend with a good heart and a good idea . . .
One gets the impression that to John, Jesus was above all a loyal companion. Messiah? Yes. Son of God? Indeed. Miracle worker? That, too. But more than anything . . . Jesus was a friend.
I like John most for the way he loved Jesus. His relationship with Jesus was, . . . simple. To John, Jesus was a good friend with a good heart and a good idea . . .
One gets the impression that to John, Jesus was above all a loyal companion. Messiah? Yes. Son of God? Indeed. Miracle worker? That, too. But more than anything . . . Jesus was a friend.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Rum Runner Ribs
Recipe submitted by Laurie Thompson
4 lbs. pork back ribs
1 lime sliced
chicken broth
1/2 cup Heinz chili sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup canned, crushed pineapple with juice
1/4 cup HP Sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup each finely chopped green onion and dark rum
1 tsp. each lime zest and minced ginger
pinch allspice
To parboil ribs, cut each rack into 2-bone portions. Place in a large pot with the sliced lime and enough equal parts of each water and chicken broth to cover ribs. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 45 minutes. Discard lime slices. Cool ribs in cooking broth for 1 hour. Drain well.
Sauce:
In saucepan, stir chili sauce with ketchup, pineapple, HP Sauce and brown sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in the green onion, rum, lime zest, ginger and allspice until well combined. Cool slightly.
Preheat the grill to medium-high. Toss ribs with half of the sauce mixture; grill, turning and basting often with remaining sauce, for 10-15 minutes or until glossy and well marked.
4 lbs. pork back ribs
1 lime sliced
chicken broth
1/2 cup Heinz chili sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup canned, crushed pineapple with juice
1/4 cup HP Sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup each finely chopped green onion and dark rum
1 tsp. each lime zest and minced ginger
pinch allspice
To parboil ribs, cut each rack into 2-bone portions. Place in a large pot with the sliced lime and enough equal parts of each water and chicken broth to cover ribs. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 45 minutes. Discard lime slices. Cool ribs in cooking broth for 1 hour. Drain well.
Sauce:
In saucepan, stir chili sauce with ketchup, pineapple, HP Sauce and brown sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in the green onion, rum, lime zest, ginger and allspice until well combined. Cool slightly.
Preheat the grill to medium-high. Toss ribs with half of the sauce mixture; grill, turning and basting often with remaining sauce, for 10-15 minutes or until glossy and well marked.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Laurie Thompson submitted this recipe and I can vouch for how tasty they are! Very yummy!
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tbsn. milk
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 and 1/2 cup oatmeal
2 cups chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugars. Add eggs, one at a time. Add milk and vanilla. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add to butter and sugar mixture. Add oatmeal, and mix well. Add chocolate chips.
Place cookie dough on cookie sheets in 1” balls 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-13 minutes.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tbsn. milk
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 and 1/2 cup oatmeal
2 cups chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugars. Add eggs, one at a time. Add milk and vanilla. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add to butter and sugar mixture. Add oatmeal, and mix well. Add chocolate chips.
Place cookie dough on cookie sheets in 1” balls 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-13 minutes.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
The Visitors - by a friend who wishes to remain anonymous
As dawn is breaking, I’m startled out of a deep sleep by the sound of the front doorbell ringing. I stumble out of bed and I make my way to answer the door. I’m surprised to see 3 people standing there. The first one is the Lord God Himself: My Heavenly Father, Abba, Daddy, Creator, All Sufficient One. Next, it’s the Lord Jesus Christ: My Saviour, Redeemer, Lamb of God who died on the cross or me. Last, it’s Holy Spirit--he wants to fill me up and give me everything I need to face the day ahead. All I have to do is ask. They gently smile and walk past me and all take seats in my living room. I say to them, “Sorry guys, but I’m really tired. I’m going back to bed for an hour.” They knowingly smile and nod at me as one of them quietly murmurs, “here we go again,” as I make my way back to my warm, cozy bed. When I get up an hour later, I’m startled to see that they’re still there as I stumble into the kitchen to start the coffee, make the lunches and do everything else to get the kids off to school. Once the kids are gone, I think “I better go and check on my visitors...but maybe I’ll go on Facebook first...just for a minute or two.” After two minutes turns into half an hour, I’ve kind of forgotten about my visitors who are patiently waiting to spend time with me....I start rushing around the house loading the dishwasher, answering e-mails, showering and then I hurry past them as I head out the door for Bible study. “Oh my goodness!” I think, “I forgot they were here. Maybe I’ll spend time with them after lunch out with the girls.” I return home later in the day tired, and as I walk into the house, I’m surprised that my visitors are still there waiting patiently for me to sit down and spend time with them. I feel annoyed and guilty. All I want to do is throw in a load of laundry and figure out what I’m going to make for supper. Maybe I’ll spend time with them after I watch “Oprah” and “Dr. Phil.” That always makes me feel better...getting my mind off of my own problems. But today, it makes me feel worse seeing the reality of how broken the world is. After “Dr. Phil,” I go straight to the computer to order the latest book that Oprah’s promoting: How to Find Strength from Within by her latest self-help guru who seemed to have it all figured out. Nothing else is working for me. I ask them to rush my order because I’d like to be feeling stronger by Friday. The 3 visitors are waving at me from the living room to get my attention, but I’m too excited about ordering my book to notice them. I get up from the chair feeling grumpy because I’ve just wasted 2 hours of my day and thinking how unfair it is that I’m always the one who has to make supper. “I’m so sick of taking care of everybody. Why can’t somebody take care of ME for a change?” I say under my breath. Then after the dishes and homework are done and the kids are in bed, all I want is a little down time watching T.V. with my husband. I don’t even notice that the 3 visitors are still waiting as I go off to bed feeling irritated at my husband because our life isn’t as romantic as life on “The Bachelor.” “If only he would lose some weight and work out. Then he’d have a body as nice as Jake’s,” I mutter to myself. As I drift off to sleep, I think , “Why am I feeling so distant from God, and why is it so hard for me to figure out His will for my life?” Sadly, the 3 visitors all look at each other and say, “we’ll come back tomorrow.” They let themselves out and gently close the door behind them but in their supernatural way continue to watch over me through the night in case I call out to them. Meanwhile, in the corner of my living room, Satan, who had discreetly slithered in with the other 3 visitors that morning, is doing his happy dance and says, “YES!!!” He’s won again! And you can bet, he’ll be back tomorrow too. Who will win the battle for my time then?
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Being Made Perfect - Max Lucado
“With one sacrifice he made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Hebrews 10:14
Underline the word perfect. Note that the word is not better. Not improving. Not on the upswing. God doesn’t improve; he perfects. He doesn’t enhance; he completes . . .
When he sees each of us, he sees one who has been made perfect through the One who is perfect—Jesus Christ.
Underline the word perfect. Note that the word is not better. Not improving. Not on the upswing. God doesn’t improve; he perfects. He doesn’t enhance; he completes . . .
When he sees each of us, he sees one who has been made perfect through the One who is perfect—Jesus Christ.
A Great Gift - Max Lucado
"I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,’ says the LORD Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 NKJV
God did what we wouldn’t dare dream. He did what we couldn’t imagine. He became a man so we could trust Him. He became a sacrifice so we could know Him. And He defeated death so we could follow Him . . .
Only a Creator beyond the fence of logic could offer such a gift of love.
God did what we wouldn’t dare dream. He did what we couldn’t imagine. He became a man so we could trust Him. He became a sacrifice so we could know Him. And He defeated death so we could follow Him . . .
Only a Creator beyond the fence of logic could offer such a gift of love.
It’s Not What You Do - Max Lucado
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ.” Romans 8:1 NIV
There is never a point at which you are any less saved than you were the first moment Christ saved you. Just because you were grumpy at breakfast doesn’t mean you were condemned at breakfast. When you lost your temper yesterday, you didn’t lose your salvation. Your name doesn’t disappear and reappear in the book of life according to your moods and actions . . .
You are saved, not because of what you do, but because of what Christ did.
There is never a point at which you are any less saved than you were the first moment Christ saved you. Just because you were grumpy at breakfast doesn’t mean you were condemned at breakfast. When you lost your temper yesterday, you didn’t lose your salvation. Your name doesn’t disappear and reappear in the book of life according to your moods and actions . . .
You are saved, not because of what you do, but because of what Christ did.
A Safe Place - Max Lucado
“They knew nothing about what was happening until the flood came and destroyed them. It will be the same when the Son of Man comes.” Matthew 24:39
Noah was sent to save the faithful. Christ was sent to do the same. A flood of water came then. A flood of fire will come next. Noah built a safe place out of wood. Jesus made a safe place with the cross. Those who believed hid in the ark. Those who believe are hidden in Christ.
Noah was sent to save the faithful. Christ was sent to do the same. A flood of water came then. A flood of fire will come next. Noah built a safe place out of wood. Jesus made a safe place with the cross. Those who believed hid in the ark. Those who believe are hidden in Christ.
Greek Style Orzo - a Rachlel Ray Recipe
•1/2 pound orzo pasta
•1 red onion, chopped
•1 green bell pepper, chopped
•1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
•1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
•1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
•1/2 pound Greek feta, crumbled
•3-4 Greek hot peppers, chopped or a couple of tablespoons banana pepper rings, chopped
PREPARATION:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the orzo pasta.
Heat a skillet with 2 tablespoons EVOO, two turns of the pan, over medium-high heat. Add the red onion and bell pepper, season with salt and pepper and cook for 5 minutes. Add the two cloves chopped garlic and toss for a minute, then add the olives and tomatoes to the pan and cook for a couple of minutes more. Drain the orzo and toss in a serving dish with the vegetables, along with the parsley, feta and hot peppers. Adjust the black pepper to your taste and drizzle with a little extra EVOO.
So Long Insecurity Blog
If you have Beth's book "So Long Insecurity" you may wish to participate in her blog. It's almost on week 5 but you could begin posting at anytime. You may want to visit the blog just to read some of the comments already posted. It's quite something to read all of those women's stories. Click HERE to access the blog.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Beth Moore Simulcast- So Long Insecurity
So Long Insecurity is being broadcast live at Westview Bible Church on April 24th, 2010.
Click on Beth's picture in the left margin of the blog for more information and to register.
You don't want to miss it!
You may wish to purchase her book titled "So Long Insecurity-you've been a bad friend to us" available for order online at amazon.ca" or at chapters.ca Or you can call the Christian Book Depot at 514-636-8921 and order it with Gary or Dana.
Click on Beth's picture in the left margin of the blog for more information and to register.
You don't want to miss it!
You may wish to purchase her book titled "So Long Insecurity-you've been a bad friend to us" available for order online at amazon.ca" or at chapters.ca Or you can call the Christian Book Depot at 514-636-8921 and order it with Gary or Dana.
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