Merry Christmas

(Slow Cooker Pork Chops)

As we celebrate Christmas, there are many sounds and smells that remind us of the holiday. Christmas cookies baking. Chestnuts roasting on the fire. Your favorite meal baking in the oven. Snowflakes. Christmas cards. Favorite Christmas movies. Excited children. Shopping. Wrapping. All are fun things we experience. All are good things. For me the best part of Christmas is the music. I love Christmas music. I love being in church and singing the carols; hearing the Christmas story read from God's Word. As I thought about the "sounds" of Christmas, a short devotional was born. May I share it with you?

J-oy to the world! The Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and heaven and nature sing.

E-mmanuel. Emmanuel. His name is called Emmanuel. God is with us. He is with us. His name is called, Emmanuel.

S-ing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation; Sing, all ye bright hosts of heaven above. Glory to God, all glory in the highest. O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord.

U-nto us a child is born unto us a son is given. The government will rest on his shoulders and he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.

S-weeter as the years go by, Sweeter as the years go by: Richer, fuller, deeper, Jesus' love is sweeter, Sweeter as the years go by.

Is this your Christmas experience? Can you sing "Joy to the World" that God sent this precious Gift for you. This Gift that assures you of sins forgiven and the promise of eternal life?

Do you experience every single day that "God is with you". He is you know. His name reminds us of that. The name Joseph and Mary gave to their precious Son - Emmanuel- which means "God with us".

Is there a song of rejoicing in your heart, not only at this season of the year but throughout the year? Do you hear the angels singing? Does your heart join them in song as you "come and adore Him"? My wish for you is that you would experience true rejoicing every single day of 2014 as you adore the Christ; Jesus the Son of God, because truly He is our "Wonderful Counselor. Our Mighty God. Our Everlasting Father. Our Price of Peace".

If you know the Christ of Christmas personally as your Lord and Savior, then I trust it is your experience that Jesus does, indeed, grow "sweeter as the years go by". I cannot imagine life without him in it. No matter where my journey in life takes me, whether it is a journey of joy or sorrow, knowing that Jesus is with me truly does make the journey less painful and much sweeter.

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him." (John 3:16, 17) Invite Jesus into your life this Christmas to know the real meaning and joy of the season.

Slow-Cooker Pork Chops

4 1" thick pork chops
1 can cream of Chicken Soup
1 package of Ranch Dressing mix

Put Chops in the bottom of your crock pot. Spoon the soup over the chops. Sprinkle the Ranch Dressing mix over all. Cover and cook for 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low.

(Recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini - using leftovers)

When you think of the word "Thanksgiving", what comes to mind? Do you gravitate toward the day itself, thinking of all the feasting you will be doing? All the "yummy" food you will be eating. Family and friends who will be present?

Does the story of the Pilgrims celebrating that first Thanksgiving in 1621 come to mind? Do you think of the first national day of Thanksgiving held in 1789 when President George Washington proclaimed Thursday, November 26 to be a "day of public thanksgiving and prayer?" Do you even care about the history of this day and how we came to celebrate it?

I have to admit, I do not usually think about the history of the day. I simply know it is a day to celebrate with my family, a day to enjoy some special foods, and a day to give thanks and praise to God for his many blessings bestowed upon me and my family this past year.

With this thought in mind, and as we celebrate this Thanksgiving Day, let's do so in the context of what God says in his Word. Meditate on the following Scripture verses, and perhaps share one during your time of celebration.

Psalm 27:6b, 7 - "I come to your altar, O Lord, singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders." Share the many wonders God has shown you this year.

Psalm 28:7 - "The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." Sing a song of thanksgiving together as you gather around the dinner table.

Psalm 100:4-5 - "Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation." Share some of the "good" things God has brought your way.

Psalm 95:2-3 - "Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods." Rejoice in the greatness of God.

2 Corinthians 9:15 - "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" Thank God for Jesus.

No matter what you may be going through. No matter what heartache you may be experiencing. No matter what disappointment you may be feeling or what change of plans you may be experiencing, in all these - and more - we can thank God that he has his best plans in mind for us.

The Message states it well: Jeremiah 29:11 - "I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out — plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."

As you celebrate your Thanksgiving Day, take some time to give thanks to God.


Leftover Turkey Recipe - Turkey Tetrazzini

1 8-oz. package cooked egg noodles
2 T. butter
1 small can sliced mushrooms
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 cups chopped turkey
1 can condensed cream of celery soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta 8 minutes. Drain. Preheat oven to 375.

Melt butter in large skillet. Saute mushrooms for 1 minute. Season with S & P. Stir in turkey, soup, and sour cream. Pour into 9 x 13 pan. Pour sauce over all. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 20-25 minutes or till bubbly.

If choose, can add crushed Ritz cracker crumbs over top before baking.

My Commitment As A Christian!

(Recipe: Butternut Squash Soup)

Several years ago someone sent me the following "commitment" statement. I recently came across it again and was challenged by its words. I'm not sure who wrote this initially, but they are to be commended for their insight. Thank you so much. May you be challenged and encouraged as I have been again.

My Commitment As A Christian!

I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure.

I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stop me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me - my banner will be clear!

This is the kind of victorious Christian life I desire to live - a life totally committed to my Savior. How about you?

Butternut Squash Soup

1/4 Cup chopped onion
1 Tbsp butter
3 Cups cubed peeled butternut squash
1 Medium potato, peeled and cubed
1-1/2 Cups water
1-1/2 tsp. chicken bouillon granules
1/4 tsp. salt
Dash pepper
1/4 Cup evaporated milk

In small saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender. Add squash and potato; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add the water, bouillon, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender

Cool slightly. In a blender, cover and process soup until smooth. Return to pan, stir in milk and heat through. Yield: 2 servings

Three Questions

(Crockpot Cashew Chicken)

In John 21:15ff, Peter was asked three very important questions by Jesus. These questions were not meant to trick Peter. Not meant to embarrass him. Rather, Jesus wanted to know what was really going on inside the heart and mind of Peter. What did Jesus really mean to Peter?

After Jesus had prepared breakfast for his disciples of fish and tasty bread, he drew Peter aside and begins to question him. Question one, “Peter, Do you love me MORE THAN THESE?” This was a personal question. Jesus was testing Peter to see inside his heart. How great was his love toward Jesus. He loved his friends, but what about Jesus? Peter had spent three years with these friends. He would have done anything for them. He loved them dearly. Jesus knew that. What Jesus wanted to know was, “Would Peter do anything for Jesus? Did he love Jesus more than he loved his family and friend?

The second question he asked him was, “Do YOU love me?” Peter, how deep is your love? Will you step out of your comfort zone for me? Are you willing to die for me? Will you fight for me?” “Peter, do you really and truly love me enough to go where I send you, say what I tell you to say, live as I expect you to live, die in the manner I choose for you, all without giving objection or argument?” “Peter, does every part of you love Me?”

His third question was, “Peter, Do you love ME?” Peter, am I the most important person in your life? If you had no one else, would I be enough? Do you love me enough to trust my lead? Do you love me enough to win a lost world to Me? Peter, do you love me more than life itself?”
“Peter, is your love toward me an intimate kind of love. Only Me, and no one else?”

Without hesitation, Peter answered “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”

Jesus then tells Peter to go out into the world and live the name of Jesus before others, sharing the Good News of the Gospel, winning lost souls into the Kingdom of God. Peter does a pretty good job of proving his love to Jesus. It was Peter who penned the words in 1 Peter 2:21, “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.” Peter walked in the steps of Jesus.

Jesus asks the same thing of us. How do we respond? How deep is our love? How sincere is our love? What are we willing to risk for Jesus? How much of my life am I ready to surrender to prove my love? Am I willing to go where he asks me to go, speak what he asks me to speak, and share the Good News with those God brings into my path?

There is a lost world around us. The only way mankind will be brought into the Kingdom of God is if we do what we were designed to do – “Go into all the world and preach the Good News”. It may require risk. It may require sacrifice. It may result in the lost of friendships. Do we love Jesus enough to step up and step out, completely surrendering my comforts for the sake of the Gospel?

Jesus said to Peter, “Feed my sheep.” His message to us is still the same. “Feed my sheep.” Feed them the story of the Good News of the Gospel so they may leave their life of wandering and come into the safety of the sheepfold.

Crockpot Cashew Chicken

2 lbs. boneless chicken tenders
¼ cup flour
½ tsp. pepper
1 Tbsp. olive oil
¼ cup soy sauce
2 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. ketchup
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 clove garlic, crushed
½ tsp. fresh ginger
¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
½ cup cashews

Combine flour and pepper. Dip chicken in this mixture. Heal oil. On medium heat, brown chicken in oil (1 minute per side). Place in slow cooker. Combine soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, garlic, ginger and pepper flakes in bowl. Pour over chicken. Cook in crock pot on low for 3-4 hours. Add cashews and stir. Serve over rice. Makes 4-6 servings.

Unnamed Servants!

(Peach Cobbler)

Must a person be “important” to be an effective minister for God? Do they need to be “well known”. We often think that unless we have a visible ministry, we really are not doing much for God. I truly believe that God is more pleased with those who minister “behind the scenes” than those who are the “players on the stage.” Think of the many people in Scripture, who have no name, and yet God placed them in the right place at the right time so they might carry on a particular ministry that only they could accomplish for the glory of God. They will be greatly rewarded – just as those of us who serve anonymously will be greatly rewarded.

With this thought in mind, I would like us to think about a few of these “unnamed” individuals that God used so mightily.

Do you know the name of Paul’s nephew who so courageously saved him from death? His story can be found in Acts 23:12-22. Paul’s nephew hears of a plot to have Paul killed. He carries this news to Paul, who asks that he be taken to the commander. The commander listens, taking this news seriously. Paul is safely led out of the prison to another location – all because ‘someone’ was brave enough to share news he had overheard. Paul’s story would have been entirely different had it not been for his nephew!

Do you know the name of the little boy who gave Jesus his lunch? I wonder why God doesn’t share this with us? Would it really matter if he had? Would the story have turned out any differently? One little boy, perhaps sitting with his parents listening to Jesus teach. It was announced that it was lunch time. The disciples encouraged people to go on their way. Jesus said that lunch was on him. Only problem, he needed some food. A little boy left the safety of his parents and went to Jesus offering him what he had. Five loaves and two fish. It wasn’t much, but it was enough. Jesus took this offered lunch, gave it back to God, and God multiplied it to feed the crowd of 5,000 plus. God used an unnamed boy to complete a miracle.

Do you know the name of the little maid who had great influence in the life of Naaman? His story is found in 2 Kings 5. Naaman, who was a great warrior and commander of king Aram’s army suffered from leprosy. Naaman’s wife had a little maid who worked for her. One day this little girl came to her mistress and said, “I wish my master would go to see the prophet in Samaria. He would heal him of his leprosy.” One little girl who had a great amount of faith!
These words get back to the king, who told Naaman to go visit this prophet. How the king must have loved this man! When Naaman meets the prophet Elisha, he is given this response – “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.”

What? Seems like an odd request. Naaman thought so too. In fact, he becomes angry at these words and stalked away. Thank God for rational people who traveled with him! They encourage him to do as he was told by the prophet. Naaman does. He goes to the river. Dips himself seven times and is immediately healed. He exclaims, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel....” One little girl, with no name, changed the course of this great man.

Where are you serving the Lord today? Does anyone know? Does anyone even care? God does. He knows exactly what you are doing, why you are doing so, and to whom you are ministering to. Keep working. The only person we truly have to please is God and the only person who really needs to know is God. I love doing things “behind the scenes” and knowing God is smiling at my service. “Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” – Psalm 100:2 (KJV)

Peace Cobbler

1 cup Original Bisquick® mix
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 cup sugar
1 can (29 ounces) sliced peach, drained

1 Heat oven to 375ºF. Stir together Bisquick mix, milk and nutmeg in ungreased square baking dish, 8x8x2 inches. Stir in butter until blended. Stir together sugar and peaches; spoon over batter. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until golden.
Serve warm with ice cream, a drizzle with caramel topping and a sprinkling of toasted pecans--a delicious way to dazzle your family!
Sprinkle coarse decorating sugar over the dough before baking.
Double the recipe! Make as directed, except double all the ingredients and use a rectangular baking dish, 13x9x2 inches.

Why God Called You

(Recipe: Oven roasted corn-on-the-cob)

I would like to share some “Food for Thought” with you today. Something I came across while cleaning out some old papers. The author of this little piece is unknown, but the truth of what is written is priceless.

WHY GOD CALLED YOU

There are many reasons why God shouldn’t have called you. But don’t worry. You’re in good company. MOSES stuttered. DAVIDS' armor didn’t fit. JOHN MARK was rejected by Paul. TIMOTHY had ulcers. HOSEAS' wife was a prostitute. AMOS’ only training was in the school of fig tree pruning. JACOB was a liar. DAVID had an affair. SOLOMON was too rich. JESUS was too poor. ABRAHAM was too old. DAVID was too young. PETER was afraid of death. LAZARUS was dead. JOHN was self-righteous. NAOMI was a widow. PAUL was a murderer. So was MOSES. JONAH ran from God. MIRIAM was a gossip. GIDEON and THOMAS both doubted. JEREMIAH was a bullfrog (just kidding); he was depressed and suicidal. ELIJAH was burned out. JOHN the BAPTIST was a loudmouth. MARTHA was a worrywart. MARY was lazy. SAMSON had long hair.

NOAH got drunk. Did I mention that MOSES had a short fuse? So did PETER, PAUL –well, lots of folks did. But God doesn’t require a job interview. He doesn’t hire and fire like most bosses, because He is more our Dad than our Boss. He doesn’t look at financial gain or loss. He is not prejudiced or partial, not judging, grudging, sassy, or brassy, not deaf to our cry, not blind to our need. As much as we try, God’s gifts are free. We could do wonderful things for wonderful people and still not be...Wonderful.

Satan says, ‘You’re not worthy.’ Jesus says, ‘So what? I AM.’ Satan looks back and sees our mistakes. God looks back and sees the cross. He doesn’t calculate what you did in ’88. It’s not even on the record. Sure there are lots of reasons why God shouldn’t have called us. But if we are magically in love with Him, if we hunger for Him more than our next breath, He will use us in spite of who we are, where we’ve been, or what we look like.

I pray that as Christians, we will step out of our limitations into the illimitable nature of who God is. Then our passion for God and our passion to communicate to Him will make mincemeat of our limitations.

“When Jesus heard this, he told them, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor-sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.’” - Mark 2:17 (NLT)

“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” - Romans 10:13

Oven Roasted Corn-on-the-Cob

Place your un-husked corn on a baking sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. (baking your corn seals in the juices and flavor)
Remove from oven. Cut the large end of the cob, and peel back the husk and the silk. The silk will be easily removed. Serve with butter, S & P.

YELLING FOR JESUS

(Recipe: Crunchy Shrimp & Mango Lettuce Cups)

We just returned from vacation. A trip to Atlanta, Georgia. Why take a trip there? For one very special reason. Our 16 yr. old grandson was playing in a baseball tournament and we wanted to be there to cheer the team on. We were willing to drive 13 hours, 7 minutes some 796 miles to spend time with our grandson, his parents, and his team.

Call us crazy!

But it is what we like. It truly was a vacation, even though we sat in the hot sun watching 7 baseball games. We enjoyed the team spirit. Getting to know the other parents. Watching the boys both win, and lose, graciously. And bragging about the “NJ Twins”.

We laughed. We cheered. There were tense moments. But it all came down to one thought. Our boys were the best – no matter what. No, they didn’t win the tournament, but they learned some valuable lessons. They had fun. They know they are loved. And there is always next year!!

As I thought about my passion for baseball, and being willing to drive to “who knows where” just to see a baseball game, I wondered if I had the same passion for my Lord. Am I willing to go “wherever” to share the Good News with someone? Do I get excited about telling others about Jesus, like I do about sharing the story of my grandson’s team? Would I be willing to stand up and yell like a fool for Jesus just as I do for his team?

Why is it we are okay with these kinds of actions at a simple, stupid sports event – yet we hesitate to open our mouth to speak to someone about what is really important - Jesus?


There is still work to be done in my life concerning this very topic. How about you?

Let’s consider the commands God gives us in his word. Namely these:

Nahum 1:15 – “Look! A messenger is coming over the mountains with good news! He is bringing a message of peace.” - Am I that messenger?

Psalm 107:2 – “Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies”. – Jesus is our Redeemer, taking our sin on himself at the Cross. Look around you. There are many who need to hear about this Redeemer.

Acts 18:9-10 – “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” - Hey!! No need to be afraid. Three promises God gives if we are willing to share the Gospel. I am with you. No one will attack you. No one will harm you. Bottom line, I have no excuse.

Romans 15:20 – “My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else.” It’s so easy to speak about Christ within the church walls – but our ambition and desire should be to share Christ to those outside the church. Your neighbor. Your co-worker. That team player. Perhaps a family member. Be the messenger. Don’t be afraid.

May God help each of us to get as excited about Jesus as we do about our favorite sports team.

Crunchy Shrimp & Mango Lettuce Cups

½ C. lowfat sour cream
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
S & P
1 lb. medium cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp (thawed if frozen)
2 stalks celery, cut into ¼ inch pieces
2 sliced scallions
1 mango, cut into ½ inch pieces
6 oz. sugar snap peas, thinly sliced
½ C. fresh basil, torn
1 small head butter lettuce, leaves separated

In a small bowl whisk together the sour cream, lemon juice and ½ tsp. each S & P
Add the shrimp, celery and scallions and toss to coat. Fold in the mango, snap peas and basil. Serve in the lettuce leaves.

Prayer

(Recipe: No Bake Peanut Butter Pie)

Our pastor spoke on the subject of prayer this morning at church. How often we pray for something, then are amazed when that prayer is answered. Or we pray, never expecting God to answer it immediately – if at all. The church praying for Peter in Acts 12 experienced this. They gathered for prayer, praying for Peter’s release (vs. 12). There was a knock at the door. Someone spoke. A young girl recognized the voice as the voice of Peter. Without even opening the door she ran to tell the church that “Peter was here.” No one believed her! Couldn’t possibly be Peter! No way could he be released from prison! She must have heard an angel.

Were they not just praying and begging for Peter’s release?

Why did they seem so surprised that God might have answered their prayer?

I can’t really fault this group of people. At times, I have acted in the same way. I remember 47 years ago praying earnestly that God would heal our 5 year old son who had been run over by a farm tractor. Doctors were not optimistic. Children with this kind of injury do not survive.

But I prayed. Doctors didn’t know my God. Each day we saw improvement, to the surprise of the doctors.

I must admit, even I was surprised, although I should not have been. After all, I had been pleading with God to spare this young life? What a delight to admit at the end of seven days that God had indeed answered my prayer for healing. The doctors labeled him “The Miracle Child.”

Indeed, it was a miracle, performed by my God, in answer to prayer.

Our son was released from the hospital with no lasting effects from his ordeal. God answered prayer over and above all I could have imagined.

Why then was I surprised when God answered this prayer? Why did I seem to doubt it would even happen?
I’m sure God whispered, “Oh ye of little faith. You may doubt, but I will increase your belief.”

God has given his children some wonderful promises regarding prayer.

Proverbs 15:29 – “....he hears the prayer of the righteous.”
Matthew 21:22 – “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
James 5:16 - “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

What are you praying for today? Don’t give up. Keep on asking and believing that God will give you your heart’s desire. Don’t be surprised when the answer comes. And if your faith seems weak, ask God to strengthen it.

We have an Awesome and Amazing God who loves to do awesome and amazing things for his children. He does so each and every day. Are you watching? Do you see them? What prayer has God just answered for you today?

No Bake Peanut Butter Pie

1 8-oz. cream cheese
1-1/2 C. confectioners’ sugar
1 C. peanut butter
1 C. milk
1 16-oz. frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 nine inch prepared graham cracker crusts

Beat together cheese and confectioners’ sugar. Mix in peanut butter and milk. Beat until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spoon into two pie shells; cover and freeze until firm.

(Recipe: Peach and Blackberry Cobbler)

How often have you heard it said, “Where is God?” This is a question frequently asked when going through a difficult time. Like the events in Boston. Or what happened at New Town. Perhaps the trials in my own life. We may ask, “God, where are you?” Do you see? Do you care? The answer can be found in Psalm 19. Let’s look at it and see if we can answer the question “Where is God?”

Beginning with verse one (NLT), Scripture says “The HEAVENS proclaim the glory of God.” Where is God? Look up! The skies display his craftsmanship, his Almighty Hand. The SUN rises and sets. CLOUDS adorn the heavens. The STARS and MOON reveal God each night. God shows up, every day, 24/7/365 as the sun shines by day, and the moon glows each night. They speak in silence, never saying anything, yet revealing God’s power. God is not dead, indeed, he is alive!

God shows up on a clear, cloudless, sunny day. God can be seen in a starry, moonlit evening. God is also present on a cloudy, dreary, rainy day; or a stormy evening. Watching, waiting, shepherding, loving; all in the hopes of drawing us to himself. Where is God? Just look up.

Where is God? Verse seven continues. “The instructions (Bible) of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul.” His Book reveals where God is, and what he is doing. He is reviving the soul, making wise the simple, bringing joy to the heart, giving insight for living. Who but God could do all this? We take life for granted. Each day is a gift from Him.

His Words are perfect, trustworthy, right, clear, true, and fair. Where is God? Found within the pages of his Book. Those words are more desirable than gold, sweeter than honey; and when I let them penetrate my heart I find a great reward. When I revere God, there is a lasting relationship.

Where is God? How can I find Him?

Verse twelve says my heart needs to be cleansed from sin so I can be free of guilt and in the right frame of mind and heart to see God.

Where is God? He is within reach. He is all around you. He is in you. He is your Rock and your Redeemer. If you are uncertain as to your relationship to God, go to www.godlife.com for more answers.

Verse fourteen says, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

Where is God? He is right where he has always been, orchestrating the events of your life into a beautiful symphony of praise to himself.

Peach and Blackberry Cobbler

4 C. peeled, sliced fresh peaches
1 C. fresh blackberries
¼ C. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
½ C. melted butter
1-1/4 C. flour
1 C. white sugar
2 Tbsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
2 C. milk

Preheat oven to 350. Mix peaches, blackberries, ¼ C. sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice together in bowl.

Pour butter into 9x13 glass baking dish and evenly coat bottom and sides. Whisk flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder and salt in bowl. Mix in milk just to moisten dry ingredients. Pour batter into baking dish, evenly distribute fruit over batter. Bake until golden brown, 45 minutes.

God Is Good!

Recipe: Lemon Drop Cake)
This past Sunday in Sunday School we had a lesson on “God’s Goodness”. Too often we miss out what God is trying to show us, or perhaps give to us. From the book, “God As He Longs For You To See Him” by Chip Ingram, Chip says, “The word goodness often refers to that quality in God that causes him to bless people, deliver them, and store up future gifts for them. It implies a sense of delight in the one giving and the gift given. God’s goodness is pleasant, desirable, fair, and generous.” Psalm 84:11, “For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.” Has God been good to you today?

Ever hear of those Good and Plenty candies? Of all the candies I enjoy, Good & Plenty is near the top of the list. Life is good when I have a handful of those luscious, sugar-coated licorice pieces! I Love licorice. I am the first to dig out all the licorice jelly beans! I’m so glad no one else in my family loves them like I do. Leaves them all for ME.

There are a lot of good things in life. But like a feast of Good & Plenty, the goodness is soon over. Even the best of the good things can afterward leave us feeling empty and even regretful. So when the psalmist declares, “I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord, apart from You I have no good thing’” (Ps. 16:2 NIV), I am intrigued. We all know that God is good. But when was the last time we embraced Him as the ultimate good in our life?

The psalmist in Psalm 16 explains just how good God really is: He is our preserver (v.1), our total goodness-giver (v.2), our counsel and instructor (v.7), and the One who makes known “the path of life” and fills us with “joy in His presence” (v.11). Now that’s what I call good!

Unfortunately, too often we let lesser “goods” eclipse our acceptance of the everlasting goodness of God in our lives. The fleeting nature of lesser goods will ultimately disappoint us—you can count on it. Only God is truly good! And there is plenty of Him for all we need. Indeed, God is Good... and Plenty enough!! (excerpts by Joel Stowell).
God alone is good. Don’t settle for second best.

Lemon Drop Cake

1 box Betty Crocker SuperMoist lemon cake mix
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box
1 C. powdered sugar
¼ C. fresh squeezed lemon juice (1 large lemon)
1 Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy lemon frosting

Heat oven to 350. Line two 8” square pans with foil, letting foil hang 2” over 2 opposite sides of pans. Grease or spray bottoms and sides of foil

Make cake batter as directed on box. Pour into pans. Bake 25-32 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes

In small bowl mix powdered sugar and lemon juice. Poke top of warm cake every ½ “ with a long-tined fork, wiping fork occasionally to reduce sticking. Drizzle and spread lemon mixture over top of cake. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled. Remove cakes from pans by lifting with foil; peel foil away.

In small microwave-safe bowl, microwave frosting, uncovered, on high 15 seconds. On serving plate place 1 cake, rounded side down. spread with half of frosting. Top with second cake, rounded side up. Frost top of cake. Garnish with lemon drop candies. Store loosely, covered.

BE SILENT!

(Recipe: Apple Ice)

Oh how silent it is! Usually when I sit at my kitchen table having my devotions, there is much noise around me. Wind blowing. Birds singing. Phone ringing. But what speaks to me loud and clear this morning is how silent it is.

The air is absolutely still. The sun shining only adds to the beauty of the quiet. No birds are singing, which they usually are as I have a nest of birds right outside my kitchen door and they love to welcome the morning with their cheerful song.

This morning all is quiet. I sense God is saying to me, “I have given you this silence so we can have time together. Come, enjoy this quiet. Sit in my presence and be silent before me.”

Those words intrigue me – ‘be silent’. I wondered what the Bible had to say about them, so I used my study time to meditate on this. Let me share with you what God says about his desire for us to ‘be silent’ before him.

In my concordance I discovered 59 times God uses these words. Apparently there is something God wants to teach us, if we would only remain silent before him long enough for him to teach!

Zephaniah 1:7 – “Be silent before the Sovereign Lord, for the day of the Lord is near...”
The Message says we should “Stand in silence in the presence of the Lord....”

When was the last time you came before our Sovereign Lord and just stood (or rested) in silence before him? Something amazing happens when we stand in his presence, in silence, allowing him to minister to us. A few years ago our Pastor challenged us to take 10 minutes and just sit in silence before God. Thinking nothing. Saying nothing. Doing nothing. Those were the best 10 minutes ever for in those minutes I heard God speaking to me!

Acts 18:9 – “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent!”

We are studying the book of Acts in Bible study at church. A primary principle taught in this book is God’s desire for us to spread the Good News to others. The Apostle Paul is an example of a man who persevered in order that he might spread the Gospel to others. He was not silent, and neither should we be. There are times when it is wise to be quiet, be silent; sharing the Good News is not one of those times. Friend – speak out. Don’t remain silent about God’s message of salvation.

Psalm 30:10-12 – “Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me; O Lord, be my help.” You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.”

There are people in pain all around us. I spoke with someone this week who is going through heartache. What trial are you facing today? What pain are you enduring? How many tears have you shed? What do you do? Where do you turn?

When we turn to our merciful God and cry out for his help, and allow his peace and joy to pour over us, our heart no longer focuses on what we are facing. Rather, even in the midst of our pain, we can’t help but rejoice in what God has done. It is impossible to be silent about his goodness. As I talked with my friend, she was able to do this – find joy in the midst of her heartache. Is this true in your life today?

Come to Him. Be silent before Him. Allow His goodness, mercy and love to pour over you today.

Apple Ice

5 cups sliced tart apples
1 cup water
¾ cup sugar
½ tsp. finely grated lemon peel

In pan, combine apples, water and sugar. Heat to boil, simmer 6-8 minutes or until tender. Puree apple mixture in blender; stir in lemon peel. Pour mixture into 8 or 9 inch pan and freeze until almost hard. Return to blender and puree until chunks break up and mixture is fluffy. Pack in freezer-proof container and store in freezer until ready to serve.

HE IS RISEN!

EASTER! It is truly my favorite Christian holiday. Oh! the pain of what it must have been like to mourn the death of the One you loved so much, knowing he was buried and you would no longer be able to see him. You may even have cried, “It isn’t fair! This should never have happened!” No, it should not have happened, but it did. Because we are sinners, it had to happen. Someone had to pay the price for sin – that Someone was Jesus.

Picture with me the despair in the hearts of the women as they approached the tomb. They were coming to do a good thing, anoint the body of Jesus, yet I’m sure they were thinking, “Where is all the good in this?”

Imagine their joy and delight; amazement and wonder when they arrived at the tomb and found the stone rolled away. Not only was it rolled away; an angel sat upon it. Dazzling in white! Waiting in anticipation of their coming so he could announce to them, “He is not here, He is risen!”

At that moment, did they grasp what the angel was really saying? I’m not sure I would have. I am a visual learner, and, like Thomas, I would have had to see to believe. One day very soon, they would see their risen Savior. They could believe again that all was well. What joy!!

Life – eternal life – is wrapped up in those three words, He Is Risen! He Is Risen, Indeed!

He Lives

I serve a risen Saviour, He’s in the world today: I know that He is living, whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, And just the time I need Him He’s always near.

In all the world around me I see His loving care, And tho’ my heart grows weary, I never will despair.
I know that He is leading thro’ all the stormy blast, The day of His appearing will come at last.

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing. Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!
The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find, None other is so loving, so good and kind.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives! He lives within my heart.

“Don’t be alarmed,” the angel said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.” - Mark 16:6

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

1 -16-oz. dried green split peas, rinsed
2 C. cubed fully cooked ham
1 large onion, chopped
1 C. chopped carrots
½ tsp. crushed dried rosemary,
½ tsp. dried thyme
1- 32-oz. reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 C. water

In slow cooker, combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours.

New Life

(Recipe: Egg Drop Soup)

I was asked to share the “Gospel” in our MOPS group this week, and the only way I know how to best explain what this word means is to share my own personal testimony with them. I love being able to do this because there isn't a week that goes by in which I do not think about the events that led to my salvation, and praise God for allowing me the privilege to become his child.

Briefly, I was raised in a non-Christian home, but a home in which we faithfully attended church. In fact, church was a big part of my life. God placed a love for the church and God in my heart while I was young. I may not have completely understood who God was, but I knew I loved him.

I always thought I was going to heaven because I was a “good” girl. I didn’t practice any horrible sins. In fact, I wasn’t even certain that I sinned! I'm not sure I understood what that word meant.

In my teens, someone asked me, “Marilyn, do you know for certain you will go to heaven when you die?” I was horrified by this question, and thought to myself, “Of course I’ll go to heaven. I’m a very good girl”.

But the truth of the matter was, I wasn’t so certain. The question haunted me. I tried looking for answers, but didn’t know where to look. After all, wasn't heaven decided by God on how good you were, how much you loved him? Truly, I did all of this.

A young man came into my life who ultimately shared the Gospel with me. The Good News about Jesus. I came to realize that, yes, I was a sinner and that sin would keep me out of heaven. But the Good News was that Jesus came to pay the penalty for my sin and give me a new life. In August of 1959 I gave my heart to Christ. The old life I had been living, a life full of sin and uncertainty, was replaced by a New Life – one that only Jesus could give me through his grace. A life of confident hope that I would live forever with God in heaven.

New Life. Something all of us need. Something all of us should want. What exactly does the Bible tell us about “new life?”

Romans 6:4 reminds us of this: “For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” (NLT) Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, we can experience a brand new life. Jesus paid the penalty for my sin when he died at Calvary. Hallelujah!

2 Corinthians 5:14ff.... “Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.....This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun.” (NLT) How thankful I am that I was given a brand new life that keeps on getting better and better with each year I live. I don't ever want to go back to my old way of living. This new life is rewarding, exciting, and full of joy and peace.

Titus 3:4-5 – “But, When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” New life! Not because of anything I have done (I am so glad of this because when is enough good enough for God?) but because of a merciful God.

If you have already been given this new life, then rejoice and praise God again for it. If you are still searching, remember, you can do nothing to earn your salvation. Jesus paid it all. Come to the foot of the cross, lay your burden and your sin down, ask for his forgiveness and invite Jesus into your life to be your Savior.

G - God's
O - Only
S - Son
P - Provides
E - Eternal
L - Life ........ amen!

Egg Drop Soup

1 cup chicken broth
¼ tsp. soy sauce
¼ tsp. sesame oil
1 tsp. cornstarch
2 tsp. water
1 egg, beaten
1 drop yellow food coloring
1 tsp. chopped fresh chives
1/8 tsp. salt
½ tsp. ground white pepper

In a small pan, combine the broth, soy sauce and sesame oil. Bring to a boil. Stir together the cornstarch and water to dissolve cornstarch; pour into the boiling broth. Stir gently while you pour in the egg and yellow food coloring. Season with chives, salt and pepper before serving.

LOVE

We will be celebrating Valentine's Day this week. Here are some interesting facts about this day. In the United States Valentine's week is ranked number one in regard to chocolate candy sales. About 15 million Electronic Valentines (E-Valentines) were sent in 2010. About 1 billion Valentine's Day cards are exchanged each year. Teachers receive the most cards, followed by children, mothers, wives, and finally, sweethearts. Men spend nearly TWICE the amount of money celebrating the holiday than women do.

We send all this – candy, flowers, greeting cards – just to tell someone how much we love them, when a simple “ I Love You” would probably do AND mean just as much, if not more. Just saying!!

All of us enjoy hearing these 3 little words, especially when they come from someone we love. My husband, children and grandchildren cannot say these words often enough. I melt when they are said. I cannot get enough of God reminding me how much he loves me as well. His words bring a joy to my heart and tears to my eyes. I usually end up by asking the question, “Why, God, do you continue to love a sinner like me?” He needs to give no reason. He just does. If no one tells you of their love today, or this week, let God be the one to do so.

God has much to say on this subject, so as you can guess, I chose the word “Love” to be the word highlighted this week.

Isaiah 43:4-5, “Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I LOVE YOU, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you.....” Do you hear what God is saying? “I Love You”. “You are precious to me”. “You are honored in my sight”. Say it again God! I love to be reminded!

Rom 8:38-39 – “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the LOVE of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Think about it! NOTHING can stop God from loving you. Are you feeling depressed today? Do you have the sense that no one cares? Wake up! God wants to love you through every emotion you are experiencing today.

A question; what is real love? The answer; 1 John 3:16.

“We know what real LOVE is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.” Who might you extend real love to his week? How might you have to give up your life (your time, your finances, your energy) to show someone else how much you love them? What will you do this week to express your love to Jesus, the one who loves you so.



Happy Valentine’s Day! May it be a day filled with LOVE, God’s kind of love!

Pralines ‘N’ Cream

2 Tbsp. butter (not margarine)
½ cup light brown sugar
½ cup heavy (whipping) cream
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
½ cups pecans, toasted and chopped
Vanilla and/or coffee ice cream

In 2-qt. saucepan, melt butter on medium. Stir in sugar, cream and 1/8 tsp. salt. Heat to boiling on medium –high, stirring occasionally. Boil 2 min. stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and pecans. Cool slightly. Serve with ice cream. Sauce can be made up to 1 week ahead and kept in refrigerator in airtight container. If refrigerated, microwave on High 1 minute, stir, and cool slightly before serving.

My Super Bowl

(Recipe: Slow Cooker Potato Soup)

Super Bowl Sunday! A big-deal for all sports fans out there. IF my husband’s favorite team were in the Super Bowl (which it is not), then today becomes a big-deal in our home. Nevertheless, for two teams this Sunday, they will be playing their best, to win the prize, so for them today is a "big-deal."

This particular Super Bowl Game takes on a little different challenge. It’s not just two teams playing against each other, two coaches trying to win the game of their life. It's two brothers, each coaching a different team, fighting against each other, so one might claim they are the best. Imagine those parents? Which team should they cheer for? Which son should win the deserved trophy? I’m glad I’m NOT those parents today. In their hearts, both deserve to win.

No matter which team wins, they will both have...

Done their best.

Played their hardest.

Gave their all.

and at the end of the day,

one will take home the coveted Super Bowl ring because they earned it.

As Christians, we are to do the same as we play this game called life. We are to do our best, leaning totally and completely on Jesus.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the world of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15

We are to play our hardest as we receive our orders from our “coach” each and every day.

“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. “ – Philippians 2:14-16.

We are to give everything we have, do what we must, to win lost souls for Jesus.

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” – Matthew 28:19.

“When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.” - 1 Corinthians 9:22-23

Finally, when my life is over, I want to receive the prize, spending all of eternity in heaven with Jesus.

“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step.” - 1 Corinthians 9:24-25.

I want to be a winner, I want to receive the prize. I want to hear the words “Well done, good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things; enter into the joy of your Lord.” - Matthew 25:21.

This is my Super Bowl ring!! Running my race here on earth with such enthusiasm and faithfulness that one day I am eternally rewarded by my loving Coach Jesus.

God help us to stay in the game, run with all we have, keep our eyes on the goal and ultimately win the prize.


Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup

1 32-oz. bag frozen southern-style diced hash brown potatoes, thawed
½ cup frozen chopped onion, thawed
1 medium stalk celery, diced (1/2 cup)
1 32-oz. carton chicken broth
1 cup water
3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 8-oz. bag shredded American-cheddar cheese
¼ cup real bacon pieces
4 medium green onions, sliced

In slow cooker, mix potatoes, onion, celery, broth and water. Cover, cook on low heat 6-8 hours, stir occasionally.

In small bowl, mix flour into the milk; stir into potato mixture. Increase heat setting to High. Cover; cook 20 to 30 minutes or until mixture thickens. Stir in cheese until melted. Garnish with bacon and green onions. (when the soup begins to bubble, you can add the flour mixture and continue cooking on low heat, if desired).

I KNOW

I cannot tell you how many times during the course of a day I use these two little words. My husband says to me, “Remember, we have dinner with ?? tonight,” and my reply is
“I know”. I say to my child “You need to come home immediately after school.” and he replies, “I know”. While preparing a meal for dinner I may say to myself, “I know I bought that can of cream soup. Where is it?”

As I looked through my Bible Commentary, (NIV), I found over 122 references to “I know”. I will share a few of my favorites.

Job 19:25, “But as for me, I KNOW that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.” Job was able to acknowledge that he knows his Redeemer. We have a Redeemer as well. His name is Jesus. Has he set you free from your sins? Has he forgiven you? Can you exclaim, along with Job, I know that my Redeemer lives? I know my Redeemer is living in me?

Jeremiah 29:11, “For I KNOW the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Do you know God has a plan for your life? It may be different that the one we have planned for ourselves, but his is better. Are you willing to allow God to lead you, not fight him, and follow his plan for your life? Did you know he has a perfect and good plan for your life?

Jesus says in John 10:11, 27, “I am the good shepherd, The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I KNOW them, and they follow me.” Do you know this Shepherd? Are you one of his sheep? If he were to speak to you today, would you know his voice?

2 Timothy 1:12, “...for I KNOW the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.” What are you willing to entrust into the hands of Jesus? Do you know, with complete confidence, that you can trust him to guard it (whatever “it” is) carefully until the day of his return? I have sacrificially entrusted into the hands of my Lord and Savior not only my own life, but the lives of each of my family members. After all, Jesus can take care of them so much better than I can. And he loves them a whole lot more than I ever could. I know I can trust him with my life as well as those I love.

I know my Savior loves me,
I know I love him too.
I know he went to Calvary
To die for me and you.

I know that he forgave me,
My heart it is brand new.
I know my home is heaven
On this earth, I’m just passing through.
I know He waits to welcome me
His arms are open wide,
I know it will be glory!
With him, forever to reside.
m.k.m.

Chicken Pot-Pie

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cubed
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup frozen green peas
½ cup sliced celery
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup all purpose flour
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
¼ tsp. celery seed
1-3/4 cups chicken broth
2/3 cups milk
2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crusts

Preheat oven to 425. In saucepan, combine chicken, carrots, peas, and celery. Add water to cover and boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, drain and set aside.

In saucepan over medium heat, cook onions in butter until soft and translucent. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed. Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk. Simmer over medium-low heat until thick. Remove from heat, set aside.

Place the chicken mixture in bottom of pie crust. Pour hot liquid mixture over all. Cover with top crust, seal edges, and cut away excess dough. Make several small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

I CAN

First, before I get into my devotional, may I share the good news that our eighth grandchild, Logan Paul, was born on Thursday. He weighed 8.7 and was 18-1/2” long. What a beautiful little boy he is, and is welcomed (hopefully) by his older brother. At the moment he is not too certain about this new intruder who came into his home – LOL. Love all eight of my grandchildren and thank God for each one of them.

As I think about this New Year, I would like to try something different for my blog devotional. There are so many wonderful two or three word phrases in the Bible that we tend to overlook when we read God’s Word. I would like to consider some of these “little” words that carry much weight with what they have to say. So, I begin with this.....”I can”....

This is a familiar phrase to all of us. How many times have we heard it? The athlete says, “I can make that basket”. The mom says, “I can multi-task, just watch me!” The farmer says, “I can plant that field and harvest that crop.” The teenager says, “Yes I can too drive a car.” The mechanic says, “I can fix this engine. No problem.” When you stop and think about it, your list of “I can” goes on forever and ever.

What does God say about this tiny phrase, “I can”?

One of my favorite passages of Scripture is a direct promise to me from God. “In your strength I CAN crush an army; with my God I CAN scale any wall.” Psalm 18:29. God says to us, “there is nothing too hard or too difficult that you and I can’t conquer together”. The key is; do we even try?

Jesus used this phrase when speaking to the father of a demon possessed man in Mark 9:23. “What do you mean, “If I CAN?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” Never say to Jesus, “If you can” because we know that Jesus can. This should give us a different perspective to our prayers. We either believer that Jesus CAN; or he cannot. I have a prayer that has been ongoing for some time now, yet without an answer. ‘Jesus, I believe I CAN trust you to answer it for me, for anything is possible if I but believe’.

Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “For I CAN do everything through Christ who gives me strength.” What is it you need to have the strength to do today? This week? Everything you need to accomplish the task is immediately available to you because God has already given you the strength you need to be successful. Do you believe the promise, I CAN do everything through Christ....?

As you read through Scripture, look for this tiny phrase and see how it applies to your life, or your situation. You will be pleasantly surprised and encouraged.

Quick and Easy Quiche

2 cups milk
4 eggs
¾ cup biscuit baking mix
¼ cup softened butter
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (10-oz) chopped frozen broccoli, thawed and well drained (use paper towel)
1 cup cubed cooked ham (can purchase a ½ inch slab from the deli department)
8 oz. shredded Cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 10 inch quiche dish. In a large bowl, beat together milk, eggs, baking mix, butter and parmesan cheese. Batter will be lumpy. Stir in broccoli, ham and Cheddar cheese. Pour into prepared quiche dish. Bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes, until eggs are set and top is golden brown.