GOD’S PROMISES!

How often do you pause in your busy day and think about all God has done for you, and all he has promised you? I was reminded of this when I came across a verse in Psalm 119:65 which says, “You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised.” (NLT)

As I contemplated this verse, and this thought, I was prompted to list some of the many wonderful things God has done - and the promises God has – just for me. May I share some of my favorites with you?

a. Romans 8:1 – “So now, there is NO condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (NLT)

b. Philippians 4:13 – “I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” (NLT)

c. Hebrews 13:5 – “I will never fail you, I will never forsake you.” (NLT)

d. John 16:24 – “Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.” (NLT)

e. John 14:27 – “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (NLT)

f. James 4:8 – “Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.” (NLT)

g. Isaiah 43:2-3a – “When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One….” (NLT)

These are seven out of a list of hundreds that I share with you today. May I encourage you to make your own list? Think of the many promises God has in his Holy Book written just for you. Write them down. List the ways God has been good to you. Take time to thank God for what you have listed. Let these words encourage your heart today.

SUMMER DESSERT

1 48-oz. can of Apricot Nectar

1 prepared Angel Food Cake

1 cup whipping cream – whipped

7 Tbsp. cornstarch

Remove 1 cup of the nectar – add 7 Tbsp. of corn starch to this. Stir until smooth. Bring the rest of the nectar to a boil, gradually add the cornstarch mixture. Cook until thickened. Cool.

Break cake into bite size pieces and spread into a 9 x 13 baking pan. Pour cooled nectar over the cake. Refrigerate. Cut and serve, topped with whipped cream.

REJOICE!

I am presently reading the New Living Translation ”God Sightings” - a read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year study. This morning the Psalm which was to be read was Psalm 118. I had to stop at verse 24 and meditate on it for a moment. Verse 24 says, “This is the day that the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it.”

I was thinking of all the things going on in my life and the life of my family, and for a brief moment I thought, “Not much to rejoice about this morning.” God very quickly whispered into my heart and said, “Oh yes you do. Think about it.”

And I did. And God was right. Even in the midst of trials, testing, disappointments, and frustration – there is much to rejoice about. Because of my little “nudge” from God, I began listing all those things I could rejoice over.

1. My sins have been forgiven.

2. I know I have eternal life.

3. God will never leave me or forsake me.

4. I have a great husband and children.

5. I have a loving church family.

6. God is my refuge and fortress when I need him to be.

7. God gives me new strength every day, to meet the challenges of that day.

And I was just getting started on my list! Yes, indeed, “This is the day the Lord has made, let us REJOICE and be glad in it.”

What do you have to rejoice over today? Why not make your own list and then take the time to thank God for everything mentioned. As you pray, the Holy Spirit may add things to your list that you had not previously thought about. This Psalms ends with these words, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Perhaps the greatest reason for rejoicing – HE WILL LOVE ME FOREVER!

EASY SUMMER DESSERT (especially for kids)

Preheat oven to 350

24 graham crackers

1 cup butter

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 cup chopped pecans

Place crackers on baking sheet. In a saucepan, bring butter and sugar to a boil. Boil EXACTLY 3 minutes. Add pecans and spoon over the crackers. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. While warm, cut crackers in half, remove from cookie sheet and place on waxed paper. Makes 4 dozen.

Dressed for God

How much time do you spend getting yourself dressed for the start of each new day? For most of us, a good hour can pass before we know it. I know I am careful to make certain my appearance is acceptable for any given day.

With this thought in mind, how careful are we to dress appropriately for God? More importantly, are there any instructions as to how we are even TO dress for God? I think the Bible has some answers for us. Let’s consider what they might be:

1. Psalm 45:3b – “……clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.” (splendor: magnificent in appearance).

2. Isaiah 52:1 – “ ….clothe yourself with strength, put on your garment of splendor….”

(strength: power of resisting attack – especially from our enemy)

3. Romans 13:14 – “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ……” (Let Jesus be seen in every aspect of your life, your actions, your words).

4. Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (A good covering of the Fruit of the Spirit would work well here!)

5. 1 Peter 5:5 – “…..Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (humble: lacking high station).

6. Proverbs 31:22 – “…she is clothed in fine linen and purple.” (Revelation 19:8 – “fine linen” = stands for righteous acts of the saints).

When God looks into our hearts each new morning, does he see us dressed in these

beautiful garments? If not, why not? Consider taking the time to wear them each day – in doing so you will bring honor and glory to the Holy Name of Jesus.

DANISH PUFF

Cut together (as you would for pie dough):

1 cup flour

½ cup margarine (or butter)

2 Tbsp. cold water

1 tsp. almond flavoring

Press dough into one or two long and narrow strips onto a cookie sheet.

Next:

1 egg, beaten

½ cup sugar

1 cup ground almonds

Brush dough with beaten egg. Sprinkle sugar and almonds over all.

Next Ingredients:

1 cup water

1 cup flour

3 eggs

½ cup margarine

1 tsp. almond flavoring

In saucepan:

Bring to boil.…1 cup water

½ cup margarine

Remove from heat and add 1 cup flour – all at once – stir well, until smooth.

Beat into this mixture, one at a time, the eggs, mixing well after each addition.

Lastly, stir in the flavoring.

Spread this over the above dough, reaching the edges. Bake at 350 for 60-70 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool. Frost with your favorite vanilla frosting, sprinkle chopped almonds over the top (if desired). Cut into strips and serve with coffee.