Sunday, January 29, 2012


A Look at Psalm 145
(Recipe: Yogurt Pie)

While reading Psalm 145 I came across verse 4 which says, “Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.” The thought came to me, how have I/am I proclaiming God to future generations; to my children and grandchildren? Whatever I leave with them will be passed on. I have not been a perfect mom, I have made many mistakes, but each of my children love God and they are teaching their children to do the same. My future generations are walking in the grace of the Lord.

What are some things we are to be sharing with our children/grandchildren they can pass on to future generations? Psalm 145 tells me some of the ways “I” can proclaim my faith in God:

Verse 1 – “I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever.”
Verse 2 – “I will praise you every day…..”
Verse 5 – “I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles.”
Verse 6 – “…..I will proclaim your greatness.”
Verse 21 – “I will praise the Lord, and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever.”

Are those around us seeing this acted out in our lives? How quick we are to praise the Lord, to proclaim His greatness and be seen reading his word?

We also read in Psalm 145:13b, “The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does.” God keeps his promises. Something we should also be sharing with future generations. When God promises something, he keeps his promises. Psalm 145 lists a number of God’s promises to us. Such as:

Verse 8 – “The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.”
Verse 9 – “The Lord is good to everyone, He showers compassion on all his creation.”
Verse 13 – “….your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations.”
Verse 14 – “The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.”
Verse 15 – “The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it.”
Verse 16 – “When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.”
Verse 17 – “The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.”
Verse 18 – “The Lord is close to all who call on him…..”
Verse 19 – “He grants the desires of those who fear him, he hears their cries for help and rescues them.”
Verse 20 – “The Lord protects all those who love him…..”

When we consider our responsibility before the Lord, before future generations and God’s promises he has left for me, I completely agree with what the Psalmist says in Verse One – “I will exalt you, MY God and King; and praise your name FOREVER and EVER.” What a wonderful God we have. What a wonderful heritage we can leave behind. What a wonderful message we have to share with future generations.

YOGURT PIE (a light, delicious dessert)

1 box sugar free peach Jell-O (you can use any flavor you desire)
3 light peach yogurt, with fruit (use flavor that corresponds with your Jell-O)
1 8-oz. container light Cool Whip
¼ cup boiling water
1 graham cracker crust

Mix Jell-O in boiling water. Whisk in the yogurt. Fold in Cool Whip. Pour into crust. Refrigerate several hours. Cut into 6 or 8 slices and top each with a fresh or canned peach slice.

Sunday, January 15, 2012


God's Perspective on Prayer
(Recipe: Baked Macaroni)

We are doing a study in Sunday School entitled, A Praying Life by Paul L. Miller. We just started the series, but I already know I am going to be challenged, as well as learn some new things. I am looking forward to the learning and challenge. Anything that will help my prayer life.

A few years ago my daughter-in-law Lisa spoke at a women's retreat. Her topic was “What Grows In Your Garden”. One of her topics for the weekend was on prayer. A definition of prayer is, “communication with God”. As we communicate with God, let’s consider the following, (from Lisa’s outline). (Lisa’s web page - deeperstillministries.com).


Who prays? The humble – 2 Chronicles 7:14; God’s servants – Job 42:8; the disobedient – Jonah 2:1; the saints – Revelation 5:8; the needy – 1 Samuel 1:27; the troubled – James 5:13; the upright – Proverbs 15:8; the righteous – Proverbs 15:29 and Disciples of Christ – Acts 16:4. This covers everyone! We ALL are asked to communicate with our Heavenly Father.

Who do we pray for? The mistreated – Luke 6:28; your persecutors – Matthew 5:44; the troubled – James 5:13; the agonized – Luke 22:44, the Believers – both Jesus and the Apostle Paul prayed for them. Who are you praying for?

What do we pray for? Open Scripture and pray God’s word back to God, but if you want specifics, consider these: Repentance/forgiveness – 1 John 1:9; Peace – Psalm 122:6; Wisdom – James 1:5; Joy – Isaiah 56:7; Freedom from temptation – Luke 22:40; Whatever – Mark 11:24; Each other – James 5:16; Friends – Job 42:10; EVERYTHING – Philippians 4:6 There is so much more. Search Scripture and see what God says to you. It’s not all about ME!

Where do we pray? I’m sure God doesn’t care WHERE, he just cares that we DO. What suggestions does God’s word give? Consider these unique suggestions! Over there – Matthew 26:36; in the cave – Psalm 142; in the wilderness – Luke 5:16; in God’s house – Acts 10:30; from prison – Acts 16:25; a solitary place – Mark 1:35; alone – Matthew 14:23; standing – Mark 11:25; together – Acts 12:12. For me, “my kitchen table” – no Scripture given!!

When do we pray? All night – Luke 6:12; early morning – Mark 1:35; at midnight – Acts 16:25; three times a day – Daniel 6:10; always keep on – Luke 21:36; continually – 1 Thessalonians 5:17. I've prayed at each of these times, how about you?

Why do we pray? God delights in answering us when we call, Mark 11:24 –“I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours”. Let’s delight God’s heart by talking to him, and asking for specifics, because he is our Father and loves us.

What prayer are you waiting to receive an answer to? Bring it to God, lay it before him, present your case specifically, then walk away believing you already have your answer. God WILL answer. He is never late, never early, ALWAYS right on time, His Time! God says “we don’t have because we don’t ask” – James 4:2. Start asking! Start believing! Sit back and watch God at work. Happy Praying!

Baked Macaroni

8 oz. cooked macaroni
2 cups creamed cottage cheese
2 cups sour cream
1 beaten egg
2 cups cheddar cheese
salt and pepper
½ cup bread crumbs
butter
Paprika

Mix the first 6 ingredients together. Pour into a greased baking dish. Top with bread crumbs, dot with butter and sprinkle with Paprika. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.