Our Tuesday study group is beginning the first week of, “Jesus and Women” by Kristi McLelland. Her approach is that of a college professor comparing the Middle Eastern way of learning to the Western way.
So, I am already hooked and loving the study!
One big difference we’re taught in the two cultural approaches to scripture is they encounter the text expecting to be fed a feast; while for us, it is to acquire knowledge (2019).
However, as much as that may be true, “generally “I don’t like blanket generalizations. It happens in medicine far too often. Besides, that is not my, or my study groups, approach to scripture.
My deepest desire (and I think, theirs’ too) is to know my Father in heaven better and relish his presence, his plans, and his Word. Like, the Psalmist, I take delight in his laws. Why? They keep me straight. I have a clear picture of God and his holiness and my need for his mercy every day.
Therefore, when McLelland states, “We tend to stare at our lives and glance at God. We want to stare at God and glance at our lives,” I am immediately convicted (McLelland, 2019). Although, an hour or two is spent reading and studying His word every morning, I must ask myself through the rest of the day, “Am I a woman who glances at God?”
I hope not. However, I often find myself longing for more time with grandchildren, getting caught up in the latest news headline, or getting preoccupied with starting a new career. Then I realize, staring at my life is not helpful in building up others. Therefore, the “staring at my life” statement is a timely reminder to keep my eyes toward heavenly things and not earthly things.
McLelland further states, “We want to live like rivers, not lakes. We want the Word to travel to us, through us, to others (2019).”
Am I A Woman Who Glances at God?
It is a natural flow of renewal and hope that we carry with us and are excited to share. When we are set free of sin and death, we want others to be free as well. Furthermore, when there is sickness and disease surrounding us, we have a picture of a day with no illness. A day when all death, destruction, and evil is conquered.
Although we don’t see it yet…it’s coming!
When my girls were in nursing school, I always reminded them, “Keep your eye on the prize” meaning it will all be worth it in the end, and you’ll have valuable skills to help you navigate the rest of life.
How true is that for people of faith too? When we have a biblical perspective of health, disease, difficulty, distance in relationship, or trials; we can embrace those times as opportunities to draw closer to God and make what we are studying real and personal.
I pray you have that opportunity today! Get your book at Lifeway.com and study with us!
Spelt & Walnut Breakfast Bowl
A Spelt & Walnut Breakfast Bowl may be just what you need to calm your gut and get some fantastic energy for the day. Since it provides a good source of magnesium, manganese, vitamin K, 5.5 grams of protein, and 3.9 grams of fiber in every cup, this ancient grain was meant to satisfy.
Besides, this is just another dish showing how tenderly God planned for you and I to thrive. So, while you’re feeling well cared for, add some fresh fruit, walnuts, and plain yogurt to this bowl of nutty deliciousness. You’ll have a mineral packed breakfast giving you quality, heart-healthy Omega 6 fat, protein, and gut healing bacteria.
To prepare for this dish ahead of time, all you have to do is find some spelt berries. They are usually available in your local grocery store. I place 1 cup of them in a medium saucepan with 2 cups of fresh filtered water. I add 1/2 tsp salt, bring to a boil, and simmer 15 minutes. I then turn off the stove and let it set 30 mins. When it has soaked up some of the water and the berries are fully hydrated, I drain and set it aside.
To make my breakfast bowl, I take 1 cup of this nut-like grain and add 1 tsp cinnamon, 2 Tbs. plain yogurt, 1 tbs. walnuts, and 1/2 cup fresh fruit. Yum!
Devotion
Isaiah says about the farmer who levels the surface of the ground:
Does he not plant wheat in its place, barley in its plot, and spelt in its field? His God instructs him and teaches him the right way.
Isaiah 28:25b,26
The prophet explains God’s plan to plant, preserve, and prepare the grain. A system that protects it from disease and spoiling. And even the instructions on how to make it into bread. His plan is wonderful and his wisdom, indeed…magnificent! You and I can rest in His promises today, they are never-ending.
By the way, if you don’t have a hand mill, try boiling it and eating it as a porridge. Something like this Spelt & Walnut Breakfast Bowl, because that works too!
You Will Endure, with God’s Direction
Exodus Chapter 18
“If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.”
We are finishing Exodus chapter 18 today and learning about how to endure with God’s direction. It’s a wonderful lesson, friend, so hang in there as we trudge through scripture with our hearts open to receive God’s word.
There will be a short break in the Exodus study until Jen Wilken’s second half of Exodus is released in January 2022. This way, the ladies stay on track with our study plans and I can keep you updated on what we learn from studying each chapter.
Please take a moment to read Exodus 18.
Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, heard of all God had done for Moses and Israel in Egypt. He brings Zipporah and her two sons to Moses and greets him with profound respect and admiration. Moses shares the miraculous feats of the Lord to Jethro and how describes how the Lord delivered them. Jethro responds with a newfound understanding of who God is,
“Blessed be the LORD, who has delivered you out of the hand of Pharaoh and has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods, because in this affair they dealt arrogantly with the people.”
We don’t know what kind of “priest” Jethro was, but we can ascertain from this statement, He believed in more than one god, and was not a priest of the One True God. However, he becomes a believer, doesn’t he? He makes a sacrifice to God, and the elders of Israel come out to eat bread with him before God.
Jethro’s Direction Mirrors God’s in Numbers 11
The next day, Jethro witnesses Moses judging disputes between the people from sun-up until evening. We already know from reading Numbers chapter eleven the other day, that Moses had cried out to the Lord because of the burden of the people. At that time, they were given manna and quail to eat.
Furthermore, the Lord told Moses to gather seventy elders at the tent of meeting and said, “I will come down and talk with you there. And I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them, and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you may not bear it yourself alone.”
He was not meant to bear the burden alone, and neither are we! Moses was to listen to the direction of God and endure with the help of the elders. A lesson we could learn too.
Moses’ newly believing father-in-law agrees. The New Testament writers also agree. Please look at the following verses.
Hebrews 10:24-26
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Acts 1:13-15
13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
Acts 15: 32-33
And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words. And after they had spent some time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them.
The apostles gathered together in prayer, met in counsel to discuss disputes, and encouraged one another with their words. They would never have endured persecution without that treasured time together. We need our time together too, as we face an anti-Christian and challenging culture.
Christ unites us in faith and purpose; to lead the nonbelieving to him and to strengthen one another in service to Him. We know he is before all things, and in him all things hold together (Col. 1:17). Not only that, but when we live as God directs, we will be able to endure whatever trials come upon us…together.
It’s a hopeful promise, friend, and one to remember as we face the days ahead. I look forward to completing Exodus 19-40 with you in January 2022 with the release of Jen Wilken’s next study! Until then, we will explore Jesus and Women by Kristi McLelland for a few weeks.
Kale & Walnut Sweet Potato Skins
Two of my favorite vegetables pair up well together for this easy Kale & Walnut Sweet Potato Skin appetizer. Sprinkled with a little garlic powder, the slightly bitter kale makes a nice contrast of to the sweet potato. Add the crunch of walnuts and some fresh grated Romano cheese and you have a delightful… and healthy, appetizer.
Benefits of Kale/Sweet Potatoes/Walnuts
Although kale is known for its polyphenols and antioxidant activity, most of the nutrient value is lost in cooking. This is why it is so important to eat fresh fruits and vegetables daily in addition to our cooked favorites. The good news for this particular vegetable is the retention of beta-carotene; it only loses about 5% (1).
Sweet potatoes are also a good source of beta-carotene. So, when converted to vitamin A, this dish helps your immune system by fighting free radical damage. It also provides protection for your vision (2). Topping the dish with a few walnuts adds crunch and heart-healthy, cholesterol lowering benefits!
Devotion
The importance of keeping our vision protected with vitamin rich foods is just as important as keeping their value in spiritual discernment. The eyes take in so many messages! For instance, images of good and evil, as well as beauty and darkness. If we are not careful and do not protect what our eyes are subject to, we are susceptible to lowering our standards.
The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
The unbiblical practices occurring all around us make us immune to certain acts that are not honoring to God. May be cling to the biblical principles that hold our lamp up high and shine a light in the darkness. I hope you enjoy nourishing both your physical eyes and spiritual eyes today!
You can start with this Kale & Walnut Sweet Potato appetizer as you read your devotions. Remember, what God puts in the garden is good!
Kale & Walnut Sweet Potato Skins
6 Medium Baked Sweet Potatoes
2 Tbsp. Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Cups Chopped Fresh Kale
1/4 Cup Finely Chopped Walnuts
1 Tsp. Onion Powder
1 Tsp. Garlic Powder
2 Tbsp. Fresh Grated Romano or Parmesan Cheese
1/4 Tsp. Salt and Pepper
Preheat oven to 350 and bake sweet potatoes
Once they are baked and cooled, slice them evenly down the middle and take a spoon to scoop out a small amount of the middle. Keep the excess for stews, sauces or breakfast pancakes.
Brush each sweet potato skin with the olive oil, sprinkle with the salt and pepper and half of the onion and garlic powder.
Finely Chop the kale and season it with the remaining onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Divide the mixture over the 12 skins.
Sprinkle the walnuts over them as well, and then grate fresh parmesan over them.
Bake at 350 until heated through and cheese is melted, about 10 minutes.
Sikora E, Bodziarczyk I. Composition and antioxidant activity of kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) raw and cooked. Acta Sci Pol Technol Aliment. 2012 Jul-Sep;11(3):239-48. PMID: 22744944.
Sun, M., Lu, X., Hao, L., Wu, T., Zhao, H., & Wang, C. (2015). The influences of purple sweet potato anthocyanin on the growth characteristics of human retinal pigment epithelial cells. Food & nutrition research, 59, 27830. https://doi.org/10.3402/fnr.v59.27830
Understanding Our Anger
Exodus Chapter 17-
Have you ever been so angry you lashed out and hit another person? Understanding our anger can be a challenge. My sister and I got a thorough lesson in a boy’s need to wrestle, banter, and fight growing up with an older brother. Throughout our childhood, he picked at us until we lost our cool and retaliated… or cried and complained to mom.
Now that I have six grandsons and see they cannot keep their battling hands to themselves, I understand why. God’s way of protecting the family and preparing men for battle starts very young. It is instilled in a boy’s DNA, because God knows there will be bigger battles ahead.
Israel’s Anger
We see this for Moses today in Exodus chapter 17, as his battle in the wilderness intensifies. Please take a moment to read this chapter before the discussion below.
“All the congregation of the people of Israel moved on from the wilderness of Sin by stages, according to the commandment of the Lord, and camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for them to drink. Therefore, the people quarreled with Moses and said, ‘Give us water to drink’. And Moses said to them, ‘Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?“ Exodus 17:1-2)
The dry, uninhabitable land has smacked around Israel as they wander from the bitter water of Marah to the 12 Springs of Elim, and set out for Rephidim. They’re angry, and the target of their anger is Moses. The quarreling begins because they are not getting what they want.
Once again, the weakness of their flesh has caused them to forget the Lord’s hand of provision. His power in parting the Red Sea, the (dead) water of Marah made sweet, and the 12 springs of living water at Elim is fading in their eyes as thirst invades their tongues. However, with their bellies full of manna from the morning provision, they have energy to quarrel with Moses to the point of stoning him (vs 4).
Moses says, “Why do you test the Lord?” (vs.2)
Testing the Lord in Our Anger
In the matter of anger, we too, test the Lord every day. It is evident in our sarcasm, sins of omission (knowing we need to talk to someone and we don’t), in our attitudes and tone of voice, and most of all in our lack of praying for Him to take it away.
James, the brother of Jesus, says, “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.” (James 4:1-2)
Picture this, a million people on their knees humbling asking God for water in a dry and parched land. He smiles regarding their reverence and need, as every rock in the wilderness begins to spray water for their parched tongues to be saturated.
But that is not what happens, is it? No. Much like you and I, the Israelites are ready to go to war and start blaming the closest person within proximity. However, the better response is to get down on our knees and ask God for help.
Brian S. Borgman, in his book, “Feelings and Faith, Cultivating Godly Emotions in the Christian Life” talks about sinful anger. He asks this powerful question, “What am I not getting that I am elevating to idol status and willing to go to war over?” (2009).
I’ll admit, it takes courage to ask and find the answer to this question. But, my friend, how wonderful would it be to finally put it to rest? Borgman suggest an anger journal to record times of struggle, and placing scripture beside it to pray through the process. Please take heart, God’s compassion and mercy is available to you and I, the same as it was to Israel. Let’s see what happens next.
“Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink’ And Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel.” (Exodus 17:6).
I have such an appreciation for the completeness of scripture and God’s plan! We honor God and draw closer to Him knowing and understanding the books of the Old Testament, just like the writers of the New Testament did. Paul says,
“For I do not want you to be unaware; brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. “ (1 Corinthians 10:1-4).
Do you see the mercy of God in scripture? God did not strike Israel in their anger and unbelief any more than he does us in ours. Instead, he struck the rock. The rock of Christ, as Paul describes it in Corinthians. He, who took our thirst upon his shoulders in the wilderness, just as he took our wrath on the cross. He who satisfies the physical thirst of our bodies is the only one who can quench the ever-longing thirst of our souls. And He has no problem understanding anger.
Understanding Our Anger
Consequently, being God, he also gives Israel an outlet for their aggression. We see them flex their physical muscles against the Amalekites in verses 8-16. If Moses holds up his hands, Israel is victorious, if his arms fall, defeat sets in. Wilkin attributes this posture as a picture of Christ on the cross (Lifeway, 2021).
Furthermore, it’s a picture for us. We can stand with our hands outstretched to God in confidence of victory over the sin of anger or we can put our hands down and be defeated by it. The choice is ours. Bold faith is a picture of humble remorse and repentance for anger to those who we have wronged, and more powerfully, forgiveness to those who have wronged us.
In the meantime, let your little boys battle out their aggression on one another. They need an outlet for energy and training for being the protectors God designed them to be. The girls can go cry to momma.
Love you, all. God bless you all as you too begin understanding anger. If you need further assistance working through anger, consider Christian Wellness Coaching with me.
References:
Lifeway.com, Exodus 1-18, God of Deliverance by Jen Wilken (2021) Video Session 9.
What Do You Hunger For?
Review of Exodus Chapter 16
What do you hunger for?
We learn in our study of Exodus the wilderness is not a place of wild terrain, trees, and roaming animals. Instead, the picture is of dry barrenness and scarce resources. It is uninhabitable, with very little water or food.
The estimated million-people march through this territory causes the whole congregation of Israel to grumble against Moses and Aaron.
“Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger. “(16:3)
What Does Hunger Make us Forget?
Does an empty belly and not getting what they want blind them to their past slavery? Is the harsh labor from sunup until sunset so easily forgotten? Losing their newborn sons in the Nile’s murky waters is no longer a threat, but lack of food and water is. But is the past preferable? We’ll never know… until we’re that hungry.
The miracle of the Red Sea parting is fading fast in the presence of fatigue, thirst, and discouragement. As doubt sets in, the evil one whispers convincingly, “He doesn’t really care about you”. The same whisper familiar to our ears in times of spiritual famine.
Oh, but he is wrong, because God does care!
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. (16:4)”
Although, seemingly ungrateful with the grumbling mentioned seven times in this chapter, I feel sorry for the Israelites. Looking back at the known and not-so-comfortable is easier sometimes than floundering in a new kind of difficult and unknown. God is peeling those psychological layers of false identity back like an onion, one layer at a time. It is something I can identify with easily, because he has to do it for me quite often.
It’s a hard concept to accept when they’re hungry and dehydrated. And it’s hard for me when I’m prideful.
What happens next is something they will continue to see, “The glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.” He provides the amazing bread from heaven (manna—what is it?) that tastes like honey and coriander seed. Flocks of quail also begin to encircle their camp to provide meat to eat.
It appears, instead of wrath for ungratefulness and unbelief, they majority of them are shown mercy and grace. However, that does not mean there are no consequences. Numbers chapter eleven describes God’s fury and the punishment of the “rabble” rousers as they consume the quail and a plague falls, killing many.
It is now clear, testing God is a very unwise course of action for the unbelievers of their day; however, may it also be a warning in ours.
What if We Hunger to Be More Like Christ?
It makes me wonder what we as Christians hunger for when our needs are so readily met. There is plenty to eat and drink, and we have choices that are filling and nutritious. But we often choose artificial and man-made items over God’s provision many times. If it’s not a lifestyle of convenience, it is sometimes materialism.
What if we just rested in His care and stopped reaching for things that temporarily satisfy?
I can’t help but think of Jesus telling his disciples when they returned from Samaria with food, after he spoke to the woman at the well. He said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” I have to ask myself sometimes, “When will God be enough?” The world, as you and I know it, is fading fast and freedom is changing dramatically. It’s time to look heavenward more often than earthly for my satisfaction.
Today, may we say together, “You are enough, Lord, and I hunger be more like you, every day.”
There is minimal time left for the dill plants here in the Ohio valley, so I’m salvaging what I can for these Tangy Tuna Balls. Although, I’ve tried to bring a few dill plants inside to water and continue to use, they shriveled up and died.
I’ll definitely have to look into freeze drying for next year! In the meantime, I want to use what’s left of the dill to make tuna balls. I call them tangy tuna balls because I want to hide the bland and sometimes fishy taste that turns people off of tuna. It’s easy to add a little Samba Oelek chili sauce to this recipe to hide that unwanted fishy taste.
Tangy Tuna Balls
There are two reasons to be excited to make tuna balls. First, it much healthier than the old sausage ball recipe our moms used to make. Plus, there is no hydrogenated oil from bisquick or nitrates and msg from sausage to pollute our cells.
In addition, celery, onion, and dill, with the chili sauce sounds much better to add to tuna than cheddar and bisquick. I know….there are recipes on Pinterest that do this, and it probably tastes good, so if you prefer that route, go for it! You’ll still get benefits from tuna, even if it’s not tangy.
Benefits of Tuna
Speaking of benefits, the second reason to be excited about tuna balls is the wonderful amount of omega-3 they provide for our brains. Three ounces can have up to 2.5-2.6 grams for three ounces. Tuna is also rich in protein (40 grams) B vitamins, calcium, zinc, selenium, and choline.
Chili and other All wonderful for cell repair and maintaining muscle mass. God is so thoughtful in placing these creatures in the sea to help us function at our best!
Don’t forget there are also benefits like desensitizing pain receptors in nerve cells from chili peppers, too! (1) Dill, on the other hand, has been made into powder and studied for decreasing insulin levels in Type 2 Diabetes. In the same study, dill powder was found to lower LDL cholesterol (the bad stuff) while increasing HDL (High density lipoprotein-aka the good stuff) (2).
Proof positive, God loves you and provides for you in every way!
Devotion
therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’
Isaiah tells about the future “precious cornerstone” that will be a sure foundation. He is talking about Jesus, of course. Believing in him, we cannot go wrong. The assuredness you and I need in our spiritual lives is just as important as the benefits of the provision God provides in the garden. Have a blessed day as you partake of both, my friend!
Tangy Tuna Balls
3 5 ounce cans Tuna (in water/oil, (your choice)
2 Tbsp. Minced onion or chalet
1 Tbsp. Fresh Dill or 1 tsp. dried
2 Tbsp. Minced celery
1 Tsp. Sambre Oelek Chili Sauce
1 Tsp. Mustard
1 raw Egg
2 Tbsp. Ground fresh grain (oats or wheat)
1 Tsp. Each Onion Powder, Chili powder and Paprika
Tangy Dipping Sauce
1/2 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt (or sour cream)
2 Tsps. Sambre Oelek Chili Sauce
Preheat oven to 400 Degrees
Combine the tuna and spices and herbs together, then add the onion and celery. Add the chili sauce, egg, and mustard, mix until incorporated.
Add the ground grain (oats or wheat) and mix until it holds together well.
Form into balls, place on a cookie sheet and bake 12-15 minutes or until crisp.
Patcharatrakul T, Gonlachanvit S. Chili Peppers, Curcumins, and Prebiotics in Gastrointestinal Health and Disease. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2016 Apr;18(4):19. doi: 10.1007/s11894-016-0494-0. PMID: 26973345.
Haidari F, Zakerkish M, Borazjani F, Ahmadi Angali K, Amoochi Foroushani G. The effects of Anethum graveolens (dill) powder supplementation on clinical and metabolic status in patients with type 2 diabetes. Trials. 2020 Jun 5;21(1):483. doi: 10.1186/s13063-020-04401-3. PMID: 32503652; PMCID: PMC7275438.
What is God Teaching Me in this Moment?
Review of Exodus Chapter 14 & 15
When I study profound passages like this one, I have to wonder, “What is God teaching me in this moment? Of course, He is showing me new things on a biblical level, but even better, a sharper view of Him!
The first part of our Exodus study, chapters 1-18, by Jen Wilken, is wrapping up this week. Israel has survived the ten plagues and a new nation is born. The institution of Passover takes place as the firstborn is delivered from death with the blood of the lamb splayed over the doorpost. God is faithful and true to his word, not only in the passing over of the death angel, but also in Abraham’s descendants multiplying and becoming a great nation.
Exodus 12:37 says, “And the people of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children.”
.” It is reasoned there were about a million people leaving Egypt at the time of the Exodus. As this multitude faces the tremendous Red Sea with Pharaoh and his army in hot pursuit, they feel trapped. If you want a fresh word on how earthly circumstances look bleak and impossible to us, yet well under control in the hands of God, take a moment to reread Exodus 14, and revel in the glory of God’s power and provision.
We see they are not trapped at all! I love how the glory of God shines in the darkest of times for them and us!
“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Why do you cry to me? Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground.’ (vs 15)
I pay close attention to how God works in the darkness at this point, because the Israelites, feeling desolate and defeated with a slave mentality, are terrified. However, God shows his glory!
“Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them, coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the night without one coming near the other all night. (vs 19-20).
They survive the night and are led into the wilderness. The Song of Moses in chapter 15 is a beautiful song of worship and thanksgiving for they see The LORD will reign forever.
Unfortunately, three days of traveling without water get to them and they start grumbling. When they do find water at Marah, it is bitter. We learn from Jen Wilkin in the teaching time, this water is stagnated. The ancient people called it “dead water”. This is contrary to the twelve springs of Elim that provide “living water.” Anything flowing and abundant is considered alive (Wilken, Lifeway, 2021).
Sound familiar?
Don’t you love how the bible uses the ancient culture’s understanding of their surroundings to bring home the lesson of spiritual renewal? I sure do!
God is testing them and says, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer. (vs 26)
There are times when you and I will be tested too. The question I often ask myself when things don’t go my way is, “What is God teaching me in this moment?” Do I truly trust him to take care of me and love me when I am scared or doubtful?
I may not understand why someone I love distances themselves from me, because it hurts too much. But I can take comfort knowing God is working on them, the same as He is working on me. All I must do is keep praying and be watchful as he removes the earthly things (and people) I’ve loved above him all these years, to the status beneath him where they belong.
I pray he does the same for you! Stay tuned as my small group finishes the first part of Exodus with Wilken, through chapter 18. Then we will finish chapter 19-40 as her second part of the Exodus study is released in January 2022.
Change is Worth the Challenge: Relationships
Do you find yourself wondering why it is so hard to change?
Is change worth the challenge?
I think it depends on what we want to see improve. It may be our health, our attitude, or our relationships. In this series I want to address why change is so challenging, and why it’s worthwhile. Here are some examples for you and I to think about in regard to relationship:
Response to Adversity/Offense It may be helpful to ask ourselves, “How do I respond to an offense?” Am I the type of person who retaliates with a quick retort, ignores it and moves on, or internalizes the offense as a judgment on my character?
Retaliating gives us a sense of power and control. However dialing down the drama queen and pumping up the grace is a more self-controlled, and biblical response.
Changing this habitual pattern is difficult. Our flesh values taking charge and not being taken advantage of.
In his book, Feelings and Faith, Cultivating Godly Emotions in the Christian Life, Brian S. Borgman states, “Emotions are more than feelings; they are the expression of our values and evaluations that affect motive and conduct.”
Although the person’s comment may seem misdirected or mean-spirited, it could just be an oversight. Regardless, as a follower of Christ, it should never disrupt relationship to the point of holding our self-esteem above the value of the person.
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6
2. Succumbing to Temptation Succumbing to temptation means I retaliate with equal animosity and venom or stop talking to the person all together. Again, self-focused behavior that destroys relationship instead of building up. Although we see it time and again, how do we change it?
For instance, my husband thinks it’s funny to blow the horn in my ear as I walk in front of the vehicle to go into the store. Instead of taking a couple of minutes to pick up my items, I leisurely browse to make him wait longer.
Childish, right?
Little digs occur with the intent to tease and get reactions from those we love in playful and not-so-playful ways. Anger gets us nowhere but more hurt. Jesus says, we can change it my turning the other cheek.
Borgman asks this powerful question in his book, “What am I not getting that I am elevating to idol-status and willing to go to war over?” Maybe the anger journal, suggested by Lou Priolo, would be helpful in tracking deceptive thinking that leads to the temptation of retaliation.
3. Realizing the Current Pattern of Behavior is Draining Change may also be more appealing when we realize how draining the behavior can be. For instance, replaying the scene over and over again makes the muscles tight through our shoulders and neck. Not to mention, the silly thoughts that spiral out of control and don’t even really exist as truth. Patterns of thinking the evil one teases us with to destroy relationship.
Jesus says, referring to Satan, “He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
John 8:43
Letting go can be a challenging, but necessary component to change. Why do we think we need to be in control of every situation or comment that comes our way? If we truly believe we are loved by our Father in Heaven, offenses should bounce off that seal of protected love and not pierce our hearts so easily.
Personally, I believe the root of not letting go of offenses could be one of two things:
a. It pierces because we have invested all our time, love, and attention on the offender, and feel like they don’t care. So, we’re a little insecure.
OR…
b. Our pride is pricked and we believe the offender does not appreciate our gifts, talents, or abilities.
Paul tells the Ephesians, “Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
What a relief to know we are so dearly loved by our Father in Heaven. We can tattle to Him in prayer on those who don’t appreciate us. In addition, we can ask Him what He wants to show us through the challenge. Are we experiencing insecurity or pride? How is difficulty in our relationships drawing us closer to Him and away from self?
It may not be clear to us at the time, but we can trust God’s purpose for it all the more. He wants us growing in the likeness of His son.
Although our way of responding to adversity is not always perfect, we can learn to apply a new template for change to better our relationships. In the end we’ll find the people we love are worth it!
God bless you as you take the challenge too!
Pumpkin Pecan Scones
Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE to make scones! So, I consider fall the perfect time to adapt my favorite biscuit recipe to make some belly pleasing pumpkin pecan scones.
These slightly sweet biscuit-like treats are perfect for a brunch or taking to a neighbor when they are mourning the loss of a loved one. A perfect way to show you care and are there for them! The also have a few health benefits.
Benefits
Pumpkins are rich in antioxidant and vitamins that help us maintain function at the cellular level. For instance, according to twenty two meta analysis studies, vitamin A and beta-carotene found in pumpkin may help ward off cataracts (1).
Whole grain freshly milled wheat will provide B vitamins and protein.
Pecans are a good source of monosaturated fat—the GOOD fat—to help with skin and brain function. Moreover, pecans contain a decent amount of magnesium, copper, manganese. Minerals that are necessary to decrease inflammation and repair cells (2).
So, enjoy this low sugar, antioxidant rich Pumpkin Pecan Scone Recipe to add a little disease fighting power to your day.
Pumpkin Pecan Scones
2 Cups Unbleached Organic Flour
1 1/2 Tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
3 Tsp. Aluminum Free Baking Powder
1/2 Tsp. Salt
1/2 Tsp. Cream of Tartar
1 Tbsp. Sugar
1/4 Cup Finely Chopped Pecans
3/4 Cup Pumpkin Puree
1/4 Cup Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Topping
2 Tbsp. Melted Butter
1 Tbsp. Maple Syrup
Preheat oven to 425
Combine all dry ingredients: flour, spices, baking powder, salt and cream of tartar
Add the pumpkin puree and oil then softly knead on a flat surface until combined, just a couple of minutes.
I roll my dough into a log and cut into triangles, your shape yours however you want.
Bake 10-12 minutes until golden brown
While the scones are baking, combine melted butter with maple syrup and when they come out of the oven, brush each scone with the maple butter mixture.
Devotion
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
It’s hard to think of rejoicing for my friends who are losing loved ones daily. However, we can comfort one another in hope of being reunited some day. For we know the God of love and peace will be with us and these ole earthly bodies will be restored on the day of redemption.
In the meantime, my friend, enjoy what God puts in the garden to give you energy and strength…it is so good!
Wang A, Han J, Jiang Y, Zhang D. Association of vitamin A and β-carotene with risk for age-related cataract: a meta-analysis. Nutrition. 2014 Oct;30(10):1113-21. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2014.02.025. Epub 2014 Mar 12. PMID: 25194611.
Alasalvar, C., & Bolling, B. (2015). Review of nut phytochemicals, fat-soluble bioactives, antioxidant components and health effects. British Journal of Nutrition,113(S2), S68-S78. doi:10.1017/S0007114514003729
