Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1 and 26 NIV
Our thanks arises from the nature of God and his glory and goodness. The steadfast reason we give thanks is because God is good and his love is inexhaustible, beyond decay, and never ending.
God, thank you for sending Jesus as the demonstration of your love. I love you Father. I love you for who you are and what you have done. I love you for what you have promised. I love you for the blessings you shower upon me. I love you for giving me hope. I love you because you first loved me. I love you because you are worthy of all love. But I confess that my love is not as strong as yours, so please, fill me with your love by the power of the Holy Spirit. Through Jesus I lift my heart to you. Amen.
A little bit of this a little bit of that
11/28/10
Joshua 1:7-8-Meditation upon the word
Joshua 1:7-8 (NIV) 7Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
The Law was to guide the new nation in the ways of God. Joshua, as their commander, was told to be careful to obey it all. If leaders do not follow after God, they lead the people astray. But if they follow hard after God through obedience to His word, many will be challenged to do the same. Joshua was encouraged to meditate on the words of the Law. He was supposed to talk about it all the time. Most of all, he was told to be careful to live it. We can talk about it and study it, but if that does not translate into living it then our words are misunderstood by the message we preach with our actions.
If he would do these things, he was twice promised that he would be successful, and even prosperous. I don't think the principle has changed. If we will do the same thing, we will have the same results.
Meditation upon the word is a holy habit that is not much employed today. Most mature Christians will spend time reading the word, speaking of the word, and applying it to their lives, but few meditate upon the passages they read. This often involves memorization. Take time to let the word you read speak to you. Ask the Holy Spirit to make it come alive and apply it to your daily situations. The quantity of Scripture read is not as important as seeing the application to your life. Look for God's eternal truth.
Meditate on the Scripture for today. What is God saying to you?
The Law was to guide the new nation in the ways of God. Joshua, as their commander, was told to be careful to obey it all. If leaders do not follow after God, they lead the people astray. But if they follow hard after God through obedience to His word, many will be challenged to do the same. Joshua was encouraged to meditate on the words of the Law. He was supposed to talk about it all the time. Most of all, he was told to be careful to live it. We can talk about it and study it, but if that does not translate into living it then our words are misunderstood by the message we preach with our actions.
If he would do these things, he was twice promised that he would be successful, and even prosperous. I don't think the principle has changed. If we will do the same thing, we will have the same results.
Meditation upon the word is a holy habit that is not much employed today. Most mature Christians will spend time reading the word, speaking of the word, and applying it to their lives, but few meditate upon the passages they read. This often involves memorization. Take time to let the word you read speak to you. Ask the Holy Spirit to make it come alive and apply it to your daily situations. The quantity of Scripture read is not as important as seeing the application to your life. Look for God's eternal truth.
Meditate on the Scripture for today. What is God saying to you?
11/27/10
Acts 1:14
Jesus' resurrection changed everything! The women who were so faithful to him through the crucifixion and resurrection are there, obediently praying in expectation. As we might expect, Jesus' mother is there praying as well. But look carefully and you will see Jesus' brothers, once doubting and ridiculing him, now praying in expectation of their risen brother's release of power through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Yes, they are waiting, but not idly waiting. Yes, they are praying, but they are also expecting the great work of the risen Jesus which will be done through them! God does amazing things when people who love the risen Jesus pray with expectation.
So what are you waiting for? Get with a group of those who love Jesus, and pray with expectation for God's work to be done through you.
11/22/10
The Way We Think
"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2 NLT
Christians know that their salvation came through faith in Jesus Christ--not through their good works (Galatians 2:16). However, after we become Christians, we often pick up the "I can do it myself" banner again. We usually have a desire to grow in a lifestyle that pleases God, but many of us try to do this on our own and remain frustrated with our performance.
Just as we were saved by faith in Christ--not by our works--we must trust God to transform us into a new person by changing the way we think. Real transformation can only come through his power. We cannot begin to please him without continuing in a walk of faith--strengthening our relationship with him and trusting him to change us step-by-step into the person he has called us to be.
Have you slipped back into old habits that you have tried to change? Maybe you mean well, but you keep making the same mistakes over and over--blurting out hurtful words … losing your temper … returning to substance abuse … seeking out pornography … Remember, you cannot bring about your own transformation. Focus on God. Spend time with him in prayer and in the Bible. Build your relationship with him--and let him transform the way you think. Step-by-step you will learn to know his will for you and with his help you will grow in a lifestyle that pleases him.
Father, thank you for the gift of salvation through Jesus. I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide me and strengthen me in my walk with you. I pray that you will transform me into a new person by changing the way I think. In Jesus' name
Christians know that their salvation came through faith in Jesus Christ--not through their good works (Galatians 2:16). However, after we become Christians, we often pick up the "I can do it myself" banner again. We usually have a desire to grow in a lifestyle that pleases God, but many of us try to do this on our own and remain frustrated with our performance.
Just as we were saved by faith in Christ--not by our works--we must trust God to transform us into a new person by changing the way we think. Real transformation can only come through his power. We cannot begin to please him without continuing in a walk of faith--strengthening our relationship with him and trusting him to change us step-by-step into the person he has called us to be.
Have you slipped back into old habits that you have tried to change? Maybe you mean well, but you keep making the same mistakes over and over--blurting out hurtful words … losing your temper … returning to substance abuse … seeking out pornography … Remember, you cannot bring about your own transformation. Focus on God. Spend time with him in prayer and in the Bible. Build your relationship with him--and let him transform the way you think. Step-by-step you will learn to know his will for you and with his help you will grow in a lifestyle that pleases him.
Father, thank you for the gift of salvation through Jesus. I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide me and strengthen me in my walk with you. I pray that you will transform me into a new person by changing the way I think. In Jesus' name
11/14/10
The Key to the Christian Life
The Key to the Christian Life
Who is going to run your life: you or Jesus Christ who lives within you?
This Week on TV
Who is going to run your life: you or Jesus Christ who lives within you?
This Week on TV
Praise- Acts 16:25-26
Acts 16:25-26 NIV
25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.
Prayer and singing were so much a way of life for Paul and silas that, even in difficult circumstances, they continued to respond from their hearts in praise to God. The relationship between their song of praise and their supernatural deliverance cannot be overlooked.Praise directed toward God can shake open prision doors! Today, as well, praise will cause bondages and temptations to drop away. Learn to praise God even when things are not going well, not only for the purpose of deliverance but because God is worthy of our praise regardless of ehat is happening to us.
See also 1Thess 5:16-18, Is 61:3 & Heb. 13:10-15
25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.
Prayer and singing were so much a way of life for Paul and silas that, even in difficult circumstances, they continued to respond from their hearts in praise to God. The relationship between their song of praise and their supernatural deliverance cannot be overlooked.Praise directed toward God can shake open prision doors! Today, as well, praise will cause bondages and temptations to drop away. Learn to praise God even when things are not going well, not only for the purpose of deliverance but because God is worthy of our praise regardless of ehat is happening to us.
See also 1Thess 5:16-18, Is 61:3 & Heb. 13:10-15
11/12/10
The gift of faith
Habakkuk 2:4 NLT
4 “Look at the proud!
They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked.
But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.
Faith is the tread we hang onto when our life is falling apart. We experience it when we see the power of an ocean and the fragility of a dried-up dandelion. And we know that at such times we are in touch with the Spirit.
In decribing this gift of faith, I am not saying that we always feel vibrant and cofident. Even the most spiritual and most faithful among us at times have dark moments and gloomy moods. But with faith we have resilience, we have reservoir of courage, strength and hope to draw onn when we encounter pain. And we stand ready to be used by the Spirit in whatever plan God has for our lives.
When we feel the Spirit, it's like coming out of a fog. We know it can get foggy again,but we also know that there's sunshine behind the fog, and the mists will clear, and the Spirit will shine through once again. The light of the Spirit frees people, unburdens them, fosters growth and transformation and allows them to make healthy choices.
Spirit comes to us like wind blowing through and through - taking away pretenses, games, phoniness. We are who we are. We are set free. And free people help set others free.
God, show me how to live my life by faith, through your Spirit.
4 “Look at the proud!
They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked.
But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.
Faith is the tread we hang onto when our life is falling apart. We experience it when we see the power of an ocean and the fragility of a dried-up dandelion. And we know that at such times we are in touch with the Spirit.
In decribing this gift of faith, I am not saying that we always feel vibrant and cofident. Even the most spiritual and most faithful among us at times have dark moments and gloomy moods. But with faith we have resilience, we have reservoir of courage, strength and hope to draw onn when we encounter pain. And we stand ready to be used by the Spirit in whatever plan God has for our lives.
When we feel the Spirit, it's like coming out of a fog. We know it can get foggy again,but we also know that there's sunshine behind the fog, and the mists will clear, and the Spirit will shine through once again. The light of the Spirit frees people, unburdens them, fosters growth and transformation and allows them to make healthy choices.
Spirit comes to us like wind blowing through and through - taking away pretenses, games, phoniness. We are who we are. We are set free. And free people help set others free.
God, show me how to live my life by faith, through your Spirit.
11/11/10
11/10/10
Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe WW 7pts
Crockpot Beef Stew Recipe
Ingredients:
1 pound beef stew meat — cubed, 1″
McCormick Beef Stew seasoning
15 ounces green beans, fresh or frozen
1 medium onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 large carrots, sliced
1 cup cut up mushrooms
1 mediumn potato, diced
2 cups water
* If you can not find McCormick Beef Stew seasoning use another brand of seasoning or use your own favorite spices i.e.: salt, pepper, garlic, or onion soup mix :)
Directions:
Put in a crock pot and simmer about 8 hours Low 4 hours High.
Makes 8 servings.
1 Cup Serving = 7 Weight Watchers Points
11/6/10
Crockpot Pork Roast- 3 WW points
Crockpot Pork Roast
2 1/2 to 3 pound pork boneless sirloin roast
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3/4 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 medium carrots, finely chopped or shredded
1 medium onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
1 small shallot, finely chopped (2 tablespoons)
1/4 cup half-and-half
2 to 3 tablespoons country-style Dijon mustard
Trim excess fat from pork.
Heat oil in 10-inch skillet over med.-high heat. Cook pork in oil about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until brown on all sides.
Place pork in 3 1/2- to 6-quart crock pot.
Mix remaining ingredients except half-and-half and mustard; pour over pork.
Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 9 hours. or until pork is tender.
Remove pork from crock pot; cover and keep warm. Skim fat from pork juices in cooker, if desired. Stir half-and-half and mustard into juices.
Cover and cook on HIGH about 15 minutes or until slightly thickened. Serve sauce with pork.
Serves 8.
Per serving: cal 175, fat 9g, sat fat 3g, chol 55mg, sod 390mg, carb 5g, fib 1g, prot 20g
3 WW points
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