Wednesday, November 30, 2016

God is Good!

Psalms 107:1-9 KJV
1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; 3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south. 4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. 5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. 6 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. 7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. 8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! 9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

God is good! He hears us when we cry out to Him. He redeems us from our distresses. We must tell others of His goodness.


Monday, November 21, 2016

Guidelines for Life

1 Thessalonians 5:12-18 KJV
12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

You can learn much by knowing those who are over you. You need to help others by calling out errors, helping those who are poor or weak and making sure to stop evil from escalating. Above all, be ever thankful and always be in prayer.


Friday, November 18, 2016

Do All in Jesus' Name

Colossians 3:12-17 KJV
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

We are to put on mercy, kindness, humbleness, meekness, longsuffering, forbearance, forgiveness, charity, peace and thankfulness. Dwell (live) in God's wisdom and teach that to others. Sing songs of praise to God and do all things in Christ's name. Follow His example, strive to live like Him and bet thankful for an example to live by.


Thursday, November 17, 2016

Worthy to be Praised!

Isaiah 12:2-6 KJV
2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. 3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. 4 And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. 5 Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. 6 Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

God is holy and worthy to be praised! He has done many great and excellent things in my life and I will praise Him and give Him honor and glory. I will talk of His doings and shout of His excellence.


Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Redeeming Childbirth

Redeeming Childbirth by Angie Tolpin


I recently read, Redeeming Childbirth by Angie Tolpin. Although I am currently experiencing my 12th pregnancy, I still was quite intrigued by this book. Also, even though this book is meant to be about childbirth, there were things mentioned that can pertain to all aspects of life.


"We are a blessed nation and people, but we need perspective. The prosperity we enjoy has led to an entitlement mentality that has crept into our Christian homes and churches. This attitude of selfish indulgence breeds ideas in us that we shouldn't have to experience hardships or trials in life. We'll go to great lengths to avoid the consequences of our choices and unwittingly only delay God's law of sowing and reaping. Sadly, by dodging rather than engaging in these challenges, we cripple ourselves because we fail to learn this life lesson of cause and effect. This failure to grow and learn makes us less prepared to tackle the bigger trials in life that will undoubtedly come." (11)

While this isn't any new information, it just struck me when I read this. I think because I read this book during this election season, it was more "in my face" than if I would have read it at any other time.

Anyone who knows me knows that I truly believe children are a gift from God. While I hear many Christians say they believe the same thing, their actions don't always support that saying.

"If we don't view life as a sacred gift, then we won't want children simply because we'll focus on the sacrifices (our bodies, sleep, and money) we would have to make based on selfish and worldly perspectives. When birth is under attack, life is under attack. It is like any slippery slope, and we the church need to keep our armor heavily outfitted in this battle so we can "extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one," (Eph. 6:16, NIV)" (39) 

Another aspect that Mrs. Tolpin writes about is something that my husband and I have been saying for years.

"Satan does not want strong Christian couples having babies and raising them for the glory of God. The reality is that he will try his best to discourage you and make your experience one that you are not willing to experience again in order to bring forth life.

If we acknowledge this challenge and we proclaim the Holy Scriptures as we fight the good fight to live in faith and not fear we can overcome his attacks on the family and on marriage today. We can choose to allow God to redeem our hard situations for His good." (118)
She also addresses how we are told we should expect hardships. If we should expect them, why would we try to avoid them?

"As Christians, we are warned and encouraged to be prepared mentally for trials, to expect persecution for our faith. "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed," (1 Peter 4:12, 13, NIV, emphasis mine). We should not expect life to be easy or try to avoid it when it is hard, but instead look at the opportunity to learn more bout God, more about what Jesus endured for us. When we experience trials and pain, it will create in us a yearning for our heavenly home." (163)

There is a lot more in this book then just these topics that I addressed here, which is why I highly suggest women read this book whether they are currently pregnant or not. I truly believe that any woman will find encouragement and wisdom from Angie Tolpin's book.


Monday, November 14, 2016

Take Comfort

2 Corinthians 4:15-18 KJV
15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

We will have hard days and hard times in life, but we can take comfort knowing that even though it is hard, it is there for good. We may not see or understand how it is good, but everything shapes us and changes us into who God desires us to be. It might be tough here on earth, but the eternal rewards are worth it!


Thursday, November 10, 2016

Throw Back Thursday-recipe update

Once again I was looking through old recipes and last week I decided to try one I hadn't done in a while.

Apple Cobbler

Below are the changes I made to fit what I had in my home, our new dietary restrictions, and a short time frame.


Apple Cobbler

Ingredients:
1 quart homemade canned apple pie filling         1/2 cup sugar
3 cups garbanzo bean flour                                 2 tbsp baking powder

1 cup tapioca starch                                             1 tbsp guar gum
2 tsp salt                                                               2 tbsp sugar
1 cup coconut oil                                                  1/4 cup milk
cinnamon/sugar mixture

Pour canned apple pie filling into a 9x13 pan.

Mix flours, guar gum, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Cut in coconut oil. Add milk. Drop by spoonfuls to make "biscuits" on top of apples. Sprinkle with cinnamon/sugar. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes.




My family liked this apple cobbler better than the quick apple cobbler that I have been known to make lately and they asked me to make it again soon.


Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Goodness

1 Corinthians 1:4-9 KJV
4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: 8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Having a relationship with Christ only brings good! While it might not be good as the world sees it, there is goodness in all. God is faithful and continues to call us into fellowship with Him and His Son, Jesus Christ.


Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Agenda 2

Just as last week, our church watched a movie during Sunday School and Service. This week we watched Agenda 2. I highly suggest watching the entire movie, but here is a trailer to give you an idea of what it is about.




Monday, November 7, 2016

Great God

Psalms 95:1-7 KJV 
1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. 3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. 5 The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. 6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. 7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,

Great is our God and worthy to be praised! 

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Throw Back Thursday

It seems like I am hearing of more and more people who are in need financially. My heart breaks for them and I would love to just give them the money they need to help them out of their situation, but that isn't possible for me at this time since we are living on a tight budget ourselves. However, even if you are living on a tight budget yourself, there are still ways you can help a family in need. I was glad to run across Fulfilling Needs on a Budget. This is a post I wrote four years ago and it still rings true today.

I encourage you to read it and see how you may be of help to a family in need near you.


Wednesday, November 2, 2016

A Day With God

Psalms 84:1-12 KJV
 <> How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! 2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. 3 Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. 4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah. 5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. 6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. 7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. 8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. 9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. 10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. 12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

We are blessed when we draw close to God. We are blessed when we lean on Him for our strength. He will withhold no good thing from us if we follow His commands and walk uprightly.

As much as the world thinks money and fame is what makes us happy, I would much rather be in God's presence without those things. God is more than they.




Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Agenda

The elders of our church decided it would be good to show the movie Agenda. We watched part of it during the Sunday School hour and then the rest of it during service time.


AGENDA: Grinding America Down (Trailer) AgendaDocumentary.com from Copybook Heading Productions LLC on Vimeo.