Recipe For Life

Those who know me best, are aware  that I am no stranger to the kitchen and  I do not mind cooking--especially desserts.  I recently came across this fantastic recipe I wanted to share.  This one is more important than any food variety.
RECIPE FOR LIFE  (Author Unknown):
Begin with a bowl of JOY
Add a heaping spoonful of GRATITUDE
Fold in a dollop of KINDNESS
Stir in a handful of FORGIVENESS
Sprinkle liberally with LOVE and cover with PEACE
Always serve with a large side of FAITH
Feed others, your family and yourself DAILY
Leave a SPIRITUAL LEGACY of God's LOVE and GRACE

While the earthly author may be unknown, we know where the principles of this teaching and examples come from..........our HEAVENLY FATHER.
Blessings in your pursuit.......TO
 

Entertained by.......?

Why do I make ‘entertainment choices that I know my Heavenly Father does not approve and considers it sin?………that same  sin that His only son,  Jesus,  went to the cross, dying for these iniquities.   Our modern society is infatuated  with being entertained.  We Christians are not to conform to worldliness, we are to be different, a shining light reflective of Jesus--(Matt 5:14-16; Acts 13:17).  Lev. 20:26 says, "You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own"  God makes it clear that the wages of sin is eternal death-do I really embrace this and think of Godliness and purity when I make my ‘entertainment’ choices.  I do not watch much TV, but one of my favorite sitcoms was Seinfeld.  While I found each cast member very talented and humorous, the majority of the episodes comprise of sinful connotations-I am weaning myself from this once favorite ‘entertainment’ option.  It’s disappointing there are not more wholesome venues—Thank God for Sherwood Baptist Church and their movies as well as others.  I admire folks like actor Kirk Cameron who has put his talents to work for the Lord.  All Christians collectively should and must stand firm, take action and support one another.  How lightly we often treat sin today!  Why have we conformed to watering down Biblical standards and what is acceptable? Jesus, the Lamb of God, paid the ultimate price in giving His life.  He allowed His own blood to be shed so that He could be the Sacrifice of all sacrifices.  He was the final and complete sacrifice.  Jesus' death set us free from sin and death and paved our way to a life of holiness.  That is the cost of sin and the price of forgiveness.  I  have a choice to make.  I could continue to laugh at things that the Bible clearly calls sin and turn my back on the gift that I had been given, or I can choose holiness. I'm sure this will be an ongoing struggle as God calls me to evaluate my entertainment, but I'm choosing to win one small victory at a time.  Do not conform.......be the light of Jesus.  Blessings in your pursuit of choosing your entertainment…….TO

Entitled or Entrusted

I occasionally listen to talk radio in an attempt to keep abreast of current events.  What is disheartening though is that controversy and argumentative discourse is the norm.  Whether it be from listeners calling in or from the host, I cannot help but feel as though most people believe we are entitled  to wealth, health, satisfaction to all needs/wants, etc.  The truth is that while certain rights were drawn up in our Constitution and have endured throughout our history, we are not promised or guaranteed such a life.  What we do  have-which is usually an abundance here in America, are blessings from our Almighty God.  He has entrusted these to us for the purpose of serving others and to praise and glorify our God.  Luke 12: 48b says, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.  Luke 16:1-15 illustrates on being good stewards of what God provides.  The challenge that I must battle is what attitude am I showing to those around me when life is not dealing the cards I think I am ‘entitled’ to?  Do others here me complaining, doubting, being negative?  Or do I, no matter the circumstances, display thankfulness for the blessings I have been entrusted with?  Do I demonstrate trust and obedience to God during the storms.  This is another constant battle that I struggle with especially with the entitlement tone which seems to inundate our daily lives and society. The good news, God is faithful in His promises to the obedient.   Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

Take a Walk

One of my favorite songs by the group Acappella is called ‘Walking that line’.  The chorus goes like this….I’m walking that line never look back; I’m walking that line I’m on the right track; I’m never alone He’s holding my hand;  everything’s fine ‘cause I’m walking that line to the Promise Land.  The scriptures are filled with promises from our God-promises that He faithfully fulfills.  I must ask myself that even during trials do I trust and believe in these promises?  Do I continue to walk in line with Christ?  One of the song’s versus says….. ‘though my feet may often stumble, I will not be down for long……….so when Satan's poison darts are thrown, I will look back on these challenges just to see how much I’ve grown’.  What a powerful reminder of the benefit of walking with Christ daily.   If we walk the line, we  are better prepared for the trials of life-God will provide a way out.  He is there for us......to comfort, provide strength and deliver us.  We can grow closer to Him…….on our way to the Promise Land.  Which direction are you walking today?  Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

Wake Up!

I used to travel for work some and the times I had to stay overnight I would usually get the courtesy wake up call.  Our time is precious to us and very demanding from a multitude of sources.  After a night of rest and when the call comes-it’s off we go. What about spiritually? If we do not continually steep ourselves in God’s Word, we probably will often be asleep spiritually.  A Casting Crown’s song,’While You Were Sleeping’, reminds me the need to be vigilant about my faith walk.  Looking and searching to share Jesus and not simply going through the motions……….being spiritually asleep.  May we consider life's challenges and demands a a spiritual ‘wake up call’- to allow our pride to subside to a humble and thankful heart.  Let’s put to practice what we know God placed us here for………to serve God, others (the poor, widowed, disadvantaged, the hurting)....not ourselves.  May we never be caught spiritually asleep any longer.  How will you respond to those 'wake up calls' in your life?  Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

A Faith without limits!

Here on earth and inside the human mind there lies a multitude of boundaries.  A few of these include:  Countries, States, Cities, Laws, Sports Fields/Courts, Property Lines, Speed Limits, personal boundaries/limitations, etc.  My mind has been trained to stay within boundaries(each has the intent to provide a society with proper structure/fairness/protection and so forth).  These boundaries/rules are commanded to be obeyed(see Heb 13:7).  We are so overwhelmed with boundaries and limitations that it is easy to place constraints to every facet of life.  The good news- our Almighty God has no limits.  The challenge- to not have a faith with limitations.   Mark 9:23 says, everything is possible to those who believe.    Matt 19:26/Luke 1:37 says,  Nothing is impossible with God.  We have a powerful Savior without limits/boundaries, yet I often fall short in truly believing He can do anything.  Thank God for His Word-the Scriptures-as a reference and resource to help erase the boundaries I naturally (or through learned response) want to place around God.  They say we only use about 10% of our brain/cognitive capacity.  I wonder how much power of God I am missing due to unbelief--placing reigns/constraints/limits on a boundless God.  Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

Not Us

We are daily inundated with the ‘I/Me’ focus in our present day societal culture.  If not circumspect in our attitude, we can easily be duped into the fallacy that we can do anything ourselves……..our efforts/merit.   We also tend to view life events in terms of ‘what’s in it for me’!  Many passages in God’s Word show us to think less of self and more of others.  Deuteronomy. 8:17-18 warns of an egocentric heart- You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me."  But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. The true source is not us……..but our Awesome God.  He gives freely, He loves abundantly.  As we journey through this life, perhaps our mindset should be, ‘what’s in it(my life) for the Lord’!  Am I recognizing the source of blessings(children, faithful spouse, jobs, life needs, church, etc)?  Do I honor God in my actions with all He entrusts to me?  Recognize, Trust, Honor, Praise, and Give Thanks daily to our faithful God.  Blessings in your pursuit…….TO