My thoughts on Pricilla Shirer’s Elijah Study for Week 4

As we enter week four of our Elijah study, we finally get to the climax of Elijah’s life, the battle of Mt Carmel. There is no battle when a false deity is up against God, but in their tiny minds, they think there is. He has survived the trickle of water in Cherith and the humbleness of being fed by ravens. Listening further to the command of God, he goes to the pagan widow of Zarephath for an extended stay. A place where the oil jug does not run dry and the flour jar is never empty.

There is a pattern of provision that cannot be missed in these scenarios. It is an overflow of God’s presence for those who place their trust in Him. At the beginning of chapter 17, Elijah is speaking to Ahab and promises, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, I stand before Him, and there will be no dew or rain during these years except by my command!”

At the beginning of Elijah chapter 18, we see the Lord come to Elijah in the third year of this drought. He says, “Go and present yourself to Ahab. I will send rain on the surface of the land.” So, Elijah went to present himself to Ahab. (Elijah 18:1-2) Along the way, he meets Obadiah, Ahab’s man in charge of the palace, which greatly fears the Lord. Obadiah recognizes Elijah and warns him of the search party sent out to find the prophet Ahab despises and blames the famine in the land.

Elijah assures Obadiah he will not be carried off by the Lord’s Spirit and put him in danger. So, Obadiah tells Ahab to meet Elijah. Ahab says, “Is that you, you destroyer of Israel?”  Elijah replies, “I have not destroyed Israel, but you and your father’s house have because you have abandoned the LORD’S commands and followed the Baals. (vs. 18). Elijah instructs Ahab to summon all 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah and ALL of Israel to meet at Mount Carmel.

Please take a moment to reread 1 Kings Chapter 18 to experience this moment in history fully.

As all the people gather, Elijah confronts them about hesitating (wavering, bouncing back and forth) between following God and worshipping Baal (who is Satan and all he stands for).  The people of Israel are silent. They know the depth of their depravity, and they have no answer. Like many Christians in the world today, they are ruled by governmental authorities who will kill them in an instant for daring to worship the One true God.

It’s a powerful tug of war on their hearts, fear of God or fear of those who can harm the body. Jesus says, “Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Mathew 10:28).

What Happens When We Sacrifice Our Scant Supply?

A picture of Israel’s gaunt faces and emaciated bodies comes to mind as they listen and watch this showdown with anticipation. I hear bellies grumbling as the battle extends beyond the morning and into the evening. The failure of Baal to appear is no surprise to them; he has failed to bring rain upon the land for the last three years. They watch as Elijah takes his turn and orders four gallons of their scarce water supply to be poured upon what could have been a source of food for many.

In this scene, another theme emerges as God’s plan to end the drought comes to fruition– you give your scant supply, and God will return it in abundance. Jesus says, “Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Mathew 6:38).

Sacrificing her scant supply is something the widow had to do also. Do you ever wonder why it is something Christians are afraid to do today?  Unlike starving people, distracted by dry, parched tongues and empty bellies, we have plenty to give from our opulence. It is not food and water we lack; it is something far more devastating. Christians today are starving spiritually.

Jesus Offers More

Jesus has the answer for that spiritual starvation. He offered himself as a living sacrifice to bear the full wrath of God for our sin and salvation. He tells the Samaritan woman at the well, “Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again, ever! In fact, the water I give him will become a well of water springing up within him for eternal life (John 4:13-14).

Israel witnesses the fire of God fall upon the sacrifice Elijah offers. As it licks up all the dripping water and the full trench, as well as the bull offered, they fall facedown and say, “Yahweh, He is God!” (1 Kings 18:39). In a little while, the sky grew dark with clouds and wind, and there was a downpour (vs. 45). All of Israel sees the abundant return of rain after proof of who the One true God is. Cemented into the minds of the people is the cost of turning away from God.

True Contentment and Satisfaction

It is the same with us. Undo spiritual suffering permeates our thinking year after year because our focus is in the wrong place. We put career, family, entertainment, and food above God in the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. Yet, none of these things offer the contentment, peace, or satisfaction placing God first in our lives does.

My friend, we can remedy that today! Jesus says, “If you, then who are evil, give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him? (Luke 11:13). When we humble ourselves before Him, turn away from the distractions of this world and follow Him, Jesus offers more than what we ask.

References:

 The Holman Christian Standard Bible. Biblegateway.com

Two Easy Meals for One or Two People

Hello, my heart friend. I find myself in need of a few quick meals that are easy to prepare and store for my lunch the next day. How about you? Thinking ahead and preparing the meals on my preparation day, helps me eat a little healthier too. I know I want my vegetables to be crisp and flavorful, so stir-fry is my go to. Shrimp is on sale this week and it will compliment the veggies well for my first meal.

The second meal, incorporates broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots with Adele’s Chicken Apple Sausage. So, here is your shopping list for both:

• 1 lb. organic carrots
• 1 bunch organic broccoli
• 1 head of cauliflower
• 1 ounce of coconut aminos
• 2 tablespoons organic extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup fresh snap peas
• 1 onion
• 1 lb organic button mushrooms
• 1 package Adele’s Chicken apple sausage
• 1 12 oz bag shrimp
• 1 red pepper
• Onion powder
• 1 bulb of garlic
• If you are in a pinch and do not have time (or the energy) to cut up all theses vegetables don’t hesitate to make your life a little easier and substitute a 12 ounce bag of frozen, already chopped stir-fry vegetables and a 12 ounce bag of California Style vegetables. They both contain all of the vegetables listed above.

15 Minute Shrimp Stir-Fry

First, sauté 1 cup of precooked shrimp in 1 minced clove of garlic and heated olive oil, heat for about a minute then remove from the skillet and set aside.

Second, place the stir-fry vegetables into the skillet ( this can be your 12 ounce bag of stir-fry vegetables) or sauté 1/2 cup mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, add the onions, then the carrots, stir until just tender, add 1/4 cup diced red pepper and snap peas. Add the 1 cup chopped broccoli last. Mix 1 ounce of coconut aminos with 2 ounces of water and add this to the pan, stir well then add incorporate the shrimp.

It only takes about 15 minutes.
****I do not add salt to this dish because the coconut aminos is high in sodium, it is spread throughout the dish, but if you are on a low sodium diet you may want to use less, maybe a teaspoon instead of an ounce***

15 Minute California Blend with Chicken Apple Sausage

First, heat a medium skillet with very lightly coated olive oil.

Next, thinly slice the sausage and sauté until browned. Remove from heat, cover, and set aside. Add 1 ounce of olive oil mixed with two ounces of water to the skillet. Follow that with 1 tsp onion powder, 1 teaspoon pepper, and a pinch of salt.

Lastly, stir until just tender and return the sausage to the pan, mix well and serve or store for lunch the next day!

I hope these easy 15 minute meals help you have an easier week! Maybe it will offer you less time to stress over what to eat and more time to spend enjoying life. Here is a beautiful message from Paul in chapter 5 of Romans to spend some time on today as you check off one more thing on your to do list:

 Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through Him by faith^[ into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.  And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5 HCSB – Faith Triumphs – Therefore, since we – Bible Gateway

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You have a blessed day and remember, what God puts in the garden is good!

My friend, does it surprise you, the perfect listener is not the guy who owns my heart? Can you relate to what I’m saying? Only he and a couple of other people have the power to come in and trash my good mood instantly. It makes me think long and hard about how and why this person can dash hopes so quickly.

For instance, my husband asks, “How was your day?” As I begin to talk, he distractedly looks through the mail and starts walking out of the room as if I am not speaking at all. Mumbling, “What?” on his way out, causes me to raise my voice in answer, but it also changes the tone.

The pleasant exchange is fading as the slight annoyance of disregard is rising.

Who is Listening?

In a matter of seconds, he grabs the change in tone and hurls a sharp rebuke in response. In effect, he is setting off an emotional upheaval.

 The dart swiftly and accurately pierces a place of vulnerability. My husband does not see or hear me,  and he does not care.

Ok, emotions, back up just a bit.

Let’s have this conversation with the Lord before involving the love of my life. The apostle, Peter, speaks to this very well.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.

1 Peter 5:6-7

1 Peter 5 HCSB – About the Elders – Therefore, as a – Bible Gateway

Peter is talking about younger men being subject to their elders. It is right to show the elders respect and courtesy. The same courtesy he advises wives to show their husbands in chapter 3 of 1 Peter:

In the same way, wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, even if some disobey the Christian message, they may be won over without a message by the way their wives live when they observe your pure, everent lives.

1 Peter 3:1-2

Jesus Sees Me, He Hears Me

A key phrase for me here is “the way their wives live.” Including the way she speaks, responds to harsh words, or even distraction. Why is this so important? Because the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking to see who he can devour (1 Peter 5:8). He wants my marriage to end, he wants my hopes dashed, and he wants my life destroyed. All because I place my hope and trust in Christ. I choose today to hang onto Him.

Jesus does see me; He does hear me, and He does care. I’d say chances are, so does the man who owns my heart forever. However, mentally he is not in a place to deal with me right now. Ok, then, why ask how my day is?

He’s trying. Although he thinks he’s ready for the onslaught of words and the speed at which they flow…he is not a perfect listener. Honestly, neither am I. The communication failure is as potent as my hand grazing the oven rack when cooking his dinner. So, I must face the facts; my husband is not equipped to listen well.

Timing Is Everything

Therefore, I must be an investigator. What’s his body language today? Is it receptive and open or aloof and distracted? Should I say something like, “My day was perfect, when you’ve showered and rested, we’ll talk about it.” Or maybe, “It was crappy actually, so when you’re ready to hear it, I’ll talk.”

Offering a set of options seems to work better with my guy than spontaneously divulging my subtle details as soon as he walks in the door, regardless if he asks!

But I must tell you thirty-two years of marriage does not take the sting away when I miscalculate my opportunity to speak. The most tender area of sensitivity is in my life-long love for this man. Any sign of discontent or distractedness threatens that in small ways to this day.

God’s word says bring my words to Him first. He’ll deal with the husband, just as He’s already dealt with the devil! Although good moods come and go, I hope to sustain the relationship I have with my spouse. In the meantime, I can boldly place my mundane or tumultuous thoughts before Jesus because He is the perfect listener.

This Kind of Gratitude Overcomes Fear & Anxiety

Satan wants my mind divided into a thousand pieces. In fact, that is what the Greek word for anxiety (merimna) means, “dividing and fracturing a person’s being into parts “(1). I believe if you and I have this thorough definition in mind when anxious thoughts begin to take over our minds, we can place them where they belong much faster; under the feet of Jesus. 

If I have received Christ Jesus and I’m walking in Him, Satan cannot divide and fracture my inmost being. He has been defeated and his powerful attempts to dethrone the King of my heart are futile. 

I am established in my faith and knowledge of who Jesus is and have been taught the power of my King over evil. I am so grateful! 

He Provides Contentment

It’s Jesus who puts my fragile ego in its proper place. Moreover, it’s Him who fills my heart to fullness when I look back at my life and see where he walked with me. I see the times I walked away from him and the times I put him last. I remember my bible sitting on my night stand gathering dust and never being opened. 

Yet, he knew the effort to stay afloat in this materialistic world would never be enough for me. And he was right. No career, person, relationship, or place can compare with knowing Him as my personal Savior. 

Every divided and fractured part of my being has been slowly put back into place and He makes me whole. My friend, he can make you whole today too! The contentment He provides is above and beyond all you can imagine when you receive Him. Have you received him today? 

Luke 11:13 says, “If you then who are evil, give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him? Therefore, I ask God today, for more of His spirit. Especially when hurtful words are spoken to me in haste. Although the person who speaks them unintentionally has the power to shoot sparks of anxiety deep into places of lingering self-doubt, those words will not prevail.

The words of life will! It takes practice and concentration over heated emotions, but long stretches of time in His word train me to ask and expect the Holy Spirit to show up in times of unrest.

I pray you ask him for more of His spirit today as well! With Him, fear and anxiety cannot flourish. God bless you and keep you!

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I am learning to value every experience the Lord provides to teach me something about following Him. Now I must tell you, loving every encounter or conflict has not been my attitude in the past. I begin to question or doubt myself, and look inward instead of upward. But how much better is my mindset if I look outward and upward instead?

Take, for instance, a chronic illness alongside a difficult relationship. I may perceive my circumstances as unfair or be unsettled with difficult people around me behaving a little greedy, selfishly, or speaking rudely. Perhaps, our value systems begin to expand in opposite directions, and trivial things grate on my nerves.

Sadly, this spiritual grating manifests as a physical symptom over time, and my spine or my heart, starts feeling the pressure. Do you know what I’m saying? The nerves of both are affected in a way that is deteriorating. My thoughts become negative and self-deprecating as well as judgmental.

Valuing Change in Perspective

What if I changed my perspective of the situation? If I choose to view a negative experience as a valuable opportunity to learn something the Lord wants to teach me, two people benefit.

Take the fact-driven account of Elijah and the widow from Zarephath in 1 Kings 17:8-16, for example. God calls Elijah to the enemy territory during a three-year drought to stay there with a starving widow and her son. Elijah doesn’t question God or remain by the dried-up brook; the text says he “got up and went to Zarephath.” This poor woman gathers sticks to make one more fire for her and her son’s last meal. Savor this next verse, my friend, and let God speak to you through his prophet:

“Then Elijah said to her, ‘Don’t be afraid; go and do as you have said. But first, make me a small loaf from it and bring it out to me. Afterward, you may make some for yourself and your son, for this is what the LORD God of Israel says, ‘The flour jar will not become empty, and the oil jug will not run dry until the day of the LORD brings rain on the surface of the land.”

1 Kings 17:13-14

The focus here appears inward as if he is asking for her last morsel of bread. But the reality is he is looking up to the One who provides all things in perfect timing. She is from a pagan land that worships and practices evil—the home of his arch-enemy, Jezebel. Yet, God calls Elijah out of Israel and to her in this pagan place.

What makes me stop in my tracks here is the fact that he does not hesitate to go. So, the question for me to internalize is, “What extreme circumstances are going to bring me to the place of following God without question?” Who do I fail to witness to and empower because of my distaste for confrontation? “Live, and let live” and “To each, his own” are cliché’s Christians are called to lovingly challenge with a physical demonstration of caring provision and a voice of truth.   

Embracing Every Problematic Experience

The dying widow didn’t know or like this stranger, and she didn’t have the same religion or values he had, but she listened to him. In contrast, the behavior I display is retreat or avoidance. It doesn’t matter when someone grates on my nerves or believes something opposite of what I think; I don’t have the courage to engage them in conversation. My response is to smile and turn away or shrug my shoulders and change the subject. I do this, so I don’t have to engage them in a deeper, life-changing conversation.

I stuff the opposing emotions and belief differences down upon the very nerves already taunt with physical deterioration. And we both suffer for it. I suffer from undue tension and regret, and they suffer because they lack the faithful forgiving, loving, merciful grace of Christ.

The resulting pain makes me begin questioning where I internalize situations I need to be placing before God. Instead of avoiding complex attitudes towards Christianity and righteous living, I can share the fulfilling reality of surrendering to Christ. If I learn to embrace every problematic experience as an opportunity, I’ll become proficient in expressing the love He so freely offers to me and others. Even people who don’t believe in Him. It’s the kind of bold faith I long for and pray for every day.

Jesus, shows me how I can truly learn to value every experience!

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But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.

John 1:13

biblegateway.com

Born Again?

The giant sign, “You Must Be Born Again” greets thousands of us as we exit the baseball park. The faithful servant of God stands silently waiting for someone to approach him and ask what it means. On the other hand, he may be hoping the Christians among the crowd will answer the few people grumbling the question out loud. I’m not sure, but I get the impression the concept is alien to the young baseball fans leaving the park. As a matter of fact, the comments I hear resemble the remarks of Nicodemus, who sought Christ under the cover of darkness .

Born again? What does that mean?

There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Him at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher, for no one could perform these signs You do unless God were with him.”

Jesus replied, “I assure you: Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” “But how can anyone be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked Him. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?”

Jesus answered, “I assure you: Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you that you must be born again. The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So, it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” “How can these things be?” asked Nicodemus.  (John 3:1-9)

biblegateway.com

Born of The Spirit

I like to think of it this way; we are three-part beings, just like the trinity. However, unlike God in three persons, we have a soul, spirit, and body. We are born to our parents in the flesh and it houses our soul and spirit. Although we are temporary children of our parents in flesh and blood, we are eternal children of God if we receive his son.

1 Thessalonians 5:23

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

But not everyone is going to be born of the Spirit. They will remain in the flesh because they like the way they live. Lord of their own lives, not answering to anyone. Chained to a way of life that destroys the soul and the mind slowly.

Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God. John 3:18

The One Who is From God Listens to God’s Words

The Pharisee’s knew they were the chosen people descended from Abraham. So, they believed living by the law, freed them from sin’s curse. The news of being born of the Spirit confused them as much as a billboard of empty words confuses people today. Without explanation, the sign means nothing and without the empathy, hope and compassion of our witness, they will remain lost.

Jesus Offers an Explanation of Born Again

 Jesus responded, “I assure you: Everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.  A slave does not remain in the household forever, but a son does remain forever. Therefore, if the Son sets you free, you really will be free. I know you are descendants of Abraham, but you are trying to kill Me because My word is not welcome among you.  I speak what I have seen in the presence of the Father; therefore, you do what you have heard from your father.” “Our father is Abraham!” they replied. “If you were Abraham’s children,” Jesus told them, “you would do what Abraham did. But now you are trying to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God.

Abraham did not do this!  You’re doing what your father does.” “We weren’t born of sexual immorality,” they said. “We have one Father—God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, because I came from God and I am here. For I didn’t come on My own, but He sent Me.  Why don’t you understand what I say? Because you cannot listen to My word.

You are of your father the Devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of liars. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. Who among you can convict Me of sin? If I tell the truth, why don’t you believe Me?  The one who is from God listens to God’s words. This is why you don’t listen, because you are not from God.”  (John 8:31-37—biblegateway.com)

biblegateway.com

Jesus offers this explanation to the Pharisees so they might believe and have eternal life. However, like many we will witness to today, they refuse to believe and live.

Action Steps to Help Others Understand

The action steps of bold faith today are to speak truth to the people within our influence. Moreover, we can live before them the life Christ calls us to live. A life of joy, peace, generosity, kindness, patience, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22). Our children, friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors will see this and want it for themselves.

In fact, our lives will be born of the Spirit when we encounter Jesus on a personal level. The revelation and movement of our mind and soul toward pleasing Jesus is the first sign in our lives that we are committed and truly believe in Him. Therefore, we are born again. New creatures who die to our old self and arise anew in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The beauty of this rebirth is not only a changed heart and new life while still in this old body, but the promise of eternal life in a new body someday. I’d love to explore the concept of a new body further with you in the 15^th chapter of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. However, today I’ll settle for understanding Jesus’ words of born again.  Until we meet again, my friend.

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The month of May in the Ohio Valley brings forth really nice asparagus patches. The flavor and health benefits of asparagus make it a star side dish or main meal in our house. Caramelized carrots and asparagus with walnuts is an easy delicious way to enjoy this springtime vegetable.

Although, I love eating and preparing this vegetable, I don’t have great success growing it in my garden. Hopefully, that will change as I read about the ph. of soil, fertilizing, and appropriate harvesting. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy my local grocer’s variety and whip up this recipe for my family

What’s God Put’s In The Garden is Good

As I think about the nutritional value of asparagus, I think about our loving Creator placing just the right amount of folate in our food for us to thrive. There are 89 micrograms per cup, which is 22% of a lady’s daily requirement. (1) If combined with a cup of black-eyed peas half of the daily requirement for folate is met…NATURALLY. Why is this important?

Pay attention, heavens, and I will speak; listen earth, to the words of my mouth. Let my teaching fall like rain and my word settle like dew; like gentle rain on new grass and showers on tender plants. For I will proclaim Yahweh’s name. Declare the greatness of our God! The Rock-His work is perfect; all His ways are entirely just, A faithful God, without prejudice, He is righteous and true.

Deuteronomy 32: 1-4

We all have a folate receptor 1 gene (FOLR1) which need this B vitamin to transmit information through the membranes of our cells. It repairs DNA, regulates gene expression, protein production, and is vital for nerve impulses and transmission. (2) No wonder spinach, broccoli, brussels sprouts, beef liver and black-eyed peas are so valuable!

They provide the natural form of folate absorbed by the intestines and utilized by our bodies to continue the necessary functions of our cells. Without it we are more susceptible to depression, dementia and chronic disease.

So, enjoy your caramelized carrots and asparagus dish and feed your cells at the same time!

References:

(1) FOLR1 gene. MedlinePlus 2014. FOLR1 gene: MedlinePlus Genetics

(2) US Department for Health and Human Services. Folate – Health Professional Fact Sheet (nih.gov)

The Coping Gifts

The mind is a tricky thing, isn’t it? Since it is so tricky, we learn early in life different ways to adapt and cope. Some will say we are given a gift, a natural ability or talent. For instance, we develop mechanisms ranging from thumb sucking, blanket squeezing, and toy holding as comforting in childhood and advance to make-up piling, starving ourselves, people pleasing as adults.

We fill ourselves with music, reading, learning, art, nature, or people looking for our own gifts to fill us. Gifts we strive to develop so we can attain or maintain some sort of internal peace. Although, the reality is, peace is not found in our gifts or coping ability. It can only be found in the gift of peace Jesus offers.  

In fact, apart from the peace of Jesus, all these attempts fail. We realize at some point, we are masking an underlying restlessness. As the temporary comforts of the world fade, we reach for something else to take their place.

Unlike Jesus, who offers us a gift of eternal peace, the world’s gifts dissolve. He bestows the kind of peace that keeps us calm, when the world shuts down and we don’t get the “things” we think we want.

Furthermore, the gift of peace Jesus offers is a deep abiding comfort permeating our souls. A peace that remains even when the job or relationship we hoped for doesn’t work out. More importantly, it’s a gift shining through the turmoil of our emotions when the people we love don’t return our devotion.  Yes, my friend, His peace truly is a gift worth leaving to others! Do you want that kind of peace today? I sure do!

Prayer For the Peace Jesus Offers

Prayer: God in heaven, you see our troubled thoughts from afar and you know how our minds stray from you. I ask you, Father,  in Jesus’ name, to give this lady peace today. I pray your gift of perfect peace become the hallmark of her walk with you. As others see her contentment with your blessings and her gratitude for another day, you are high and lifted up. May the troubles of her heart be placed at your feet for healing and assurance. May she always remember, You are in control, You do everything in your timing, and all we have to do is trust in You. Thank you, Father, Amen.

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Music to sooth your weary soul as you soak in the peace Jesus offers!

“And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. And he said
to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell
you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”
Luke 22:14-16

The beauty of the Seder meal is the retelling of Israel’s flight from Egypt. As Judeo-Christian histories overlap this season, I have an opportunity to appreciate some of the things our Messiah, Jesus, may have enjoyed with his disciples before becoming the Passover lamb.

Traditionally, the story of the Exodus is retold with families of faith around the world. The bitterness of slavery, as well as God’s deliverance from the death angel are read. In addition to this, the plagues of judgment and preparing the unleavened bread for a hasty departure are retold to the next generation.

Therefore, each food item represents a part of the Israelite’s flight from Egypt.
Interestingly enough the symbols also represent Jesus as the suffering servant for new covenant believers as well. Prior to his betrayal and during the last supper together, he washed the disciples feet in preparation for the meal.

Jesus, The Suffering Servant

Although, this task was usually placed upon the lowest household servant, Jesus
demonstrates to the apostle’s humility in serving. He also gives a whole new meaning to loving our enemies. In fact, the thoughts of Judas were clear to Christ as he knelt before his betrayer to wash his feet.

Furthermore, celebrating the Seder meal with Jesus at the center brings depth to the celebration. A keen awareness of my slavery to sin and the tears of anguish for my slavery is revealed. The bread of life for my body, became the bread of life for my soul with the death, burial and resurrection of our risen Savior!

A lovely rendition of this meal, incorporating the last supper can be found on You Tube in “Shabbat in Your Home” here is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVHa_hDwAlM

Also, the site listing the representation of each dish and the order of which to take themeal can be found from the article “The Order and Meaning of the Passover Seder” the link is here: https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-a-passover-seder-2076456

So, I hope you enjoy an easy and delicious Seder Meal with Jesus this week as you prepare your heart for our Lord. Personally, this meal will forever change the way I observe and practice the history of my faith.

Bitter Herbs and Vegetables

Cucumbers, Onions, Mint, & Celery
1 Chopped Organic English Cucumber
1 Tablespoon Finely Chopped Onion
2 Teaspoons Fresh Chopped Mint (I used Lemon balm)
3 Stalks of Celery Washed and Chop
1 Tablespoon Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt to taste

Wash and cut the celery for a tray. Combine the chopped cucumber, onion, and mint (a bitter herb) in a bowl, while seasoning with salt and the olive oil and set aside while you prepare the reminder of your meal. A small dish of salted water to dip the vegetables in is served alongside the the vegetables for dipping. The salted water represents the tears of the Israelites during their years of enslavement.

Jesus, The Bread of Life

Matzah
This recipe is very similar to the tortilla shells I make, the only difference is the amount of ingredients are different, they are baked, and the dough is pierced with a fork. This is a very simple and delicious reminder of the bread and body of Christ.

As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is My body.” Then He took a cup, and after giving thanks, He gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you.”
Mathew 26;25-27

Matthew 26 HCSB – The Plot to Kill Jesus – When Jesus had – Bible Gateway

Preheat oven to 425 and place a stone pizza pan into the oven to heat. Combine 1 cup of flour, ½ teaspoon of salt in a bowl and whisk until salt is combined. Add 1/3 cup of hot water to one teaspoon of olive oil then add the liquid until it is all
combined. Knead the bread lightly and divide into 8 balls. Roll out into squares
until very thin then use a fork to pierce the bread all over (As you can see above mine were too thick) Bake 2 min on first side, flip them over, bake 2 more minutes, then remove and brush with olive oil and salt.

Charoset
According to tradition, this side dish represents the brick and mortar the Israelites made for Pharaoh. I used:
1 Organic chopped Gala Apple
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1 Tablespoon of Honey
2 Tablespoons of Finely Chopped Pecans
Place all the ingredients in a bowl and serve with the Matzah

Lamb Chops and Roasted Potatoes & Parsley

4 Lamb Chops
2 Tablespoons Fresh Chopped Rosemary
2 Large Clove Minced Garlic Chopped and Salted
1 Lbs. Organic Small Golden Potatoes
1 Tablespoon Chopped Parsley
½ Teaspoon of Salt.

Preheat Oven to 450 Set the Lamb Chops on a paper towel to dry completely and set aside. Meanwhile, place an iron skillet on medium high heat on the stove.

Wash and prepare potatoes for a baking dish, toss them with 2 tablespoons of organic olive oil and 1 teaspoon of salt. Place in the heated oven for 20 minutes and bake until golden brown. Remove, stir and add the chopped parsley.

Make a rub with the finely minced then mashed garlic, ½ teaspoon of salt, and the chopped rosemary, rub the herbs on the meat. Place a table spoon of olive oil in the well heated skillet and sear the chops on one side 3 minutes (without turning). When browned turn over and heat the other side 3 minutes. I finish them off in the heated oven for three more minutes, then let them rest.

I have enjoyed reading the articles and watching the videos! For instance, it has inspired me to make the following recipes with the encouragement of Candice Reyes at Hooks2Crook! I did not know about the connection between Jesus and the Seder Passover meal until this week! I hope you have a blessed Resurrection Sunday and the eternal hope of our Lord, Jesus Christ!

The Glory of His Presence

I commute an hour to work along the hill crested valley of the Ohio river. In the morning, the sun surrounds the winding road, casting a pinkish-crimson glow across the water. The evening ride home comforts me too as the soft peach and orange hues settle over the hilltops. With so much time on my hands, it is important to use it wisely and bring my mind under the control of Jesus.

I can hear the Psalmist’s words of praise to God hemming him in, behind and before. As I see His glory unfold every morning, I feel Him going before me. It is a time of prayer, listening to hope filled music, and messages of the Christian faith.

One morning, when listening to the radio, I heard a message about “carnal Christians”. As I’m listening, I remember another preacher referring to the lifestyle of a famous singer when talking about the same subject. In all honesty, I’m feeling that cognitive dissonance that occurs when something I hear doesn’t line up with the bible. In fact, carnal means a person is relating to physical, especially sexual needs and activities, that are not Christ-like at all.

Under The Control of the Flesh

The message on the radio is calling “carnal Christians” people who remain new, or baby Christians throughout their lives without ever growing in faith. The pastor said, these people know Christ, make a confession of faith, get baptized, then continue to live their same old ways. He he was in no way condemning to this “churched” population. In fact, I thought he was trying to reach them in their current state of faith.

Apparently, many people are stuck in a state of living for themselves and the desires of the flesh. A place I remember finding comfort in during my twenties and early thirties, all too well.

Who Am I Lifting Up?

I was a believer who put education, family, and building a home above God. As a result, I was delayed in finding true contentment. Looking back, I can see the difference of living for myself and living for Jesus. In addition, it helps me see where we, the church, can come in boldly for “new” Christians. We can invite them to our homes and mentor to them through our behavior and attitudes. The bible calls it, righteous living. Its an opportunity to answer questions and teach God’s word in small groups. Not only that, we can share our excitement about true freedom as we study God’s heart and intention for our lives in His word.

After all, it’s digging into God’s word where we understand His character and holiness. We see equal amounts of love alongside His justness. Moreover, we understand His intolerance of sin, because of its destructiveness and power to separate us from Him…for eternity. It is also where the healing power of Jesus changes our own hearts to be in alignment with His.

How I Feel

I’m afraid carnal Christians are either unaware or unaccepting of this important reality; the healing power of Jesus. Those failing to find freedom in Christ are the people I understand and long to minister to most. However, my question for these ministers is, how can carnal Christians remain that way for years and not experience change?

According to the bible I am either under the control of Jesus, myself or the devil.

How short lived that clarity is for the people of Jesus’ day! Unfortunately, it resembles the people of today.

What Do I Do?

The freedom from the law, the right to do anything, is directed to people in Christ, not people apart form Christ. The freedom in Christ is freedom from the punishment of the law, but it does not take away our love for the right way to live.

Therefore, I don’t see carnal people claiming to know Jesus brought under the control of Jesus, but only themselves. Their desire is to please the flesh over pleasing Christ.

I want to ask the pastor on the radio, “Does your message glorify the power of Christ’s death and resurrection or does it diminish it?” If you describe these people as followers of Christ, and they’re just immature and stuck in the ways of the world “for years and years” how does that compare to the apostle John’s observations?

Brought Under the Control of Jesus

The apostle John says:

This is how we are sure that we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” yet doesn’t keep His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God is perfected. This is how we know we are in Him: The one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked.

1 John 2:4-6

The apostle Paul says:

For you were called to be free, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.  For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I tell you about these things in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5 HCSB – Freedom of the Christian – Christ has – Bible Gateway

Yes, it is a process and we will fail time and again. But Jesus gives us a desire to please him, to hunger for the things he hungers for, and in the process He turns our lives upside down! It’s with Him, that we long to spend hours of our time. Those things of the flesh are no longer appealing. So, if I’m struggling in an area, I need someone to help me get out of it.

Moreover, I need to be there for someone else to help them along.

Me or Jesus?

Maybe the intention of the pastors is to help people struggling see there is a better way. I do understand that process, I just don’t understand the terminology; carnal and Christian are not in the same category or sphere of influence. I know because I’ve been there and still struggle with the consequences, many years later! Therefore, I have no condemnation for anyone stuck where I was.

In fact, my heart for this group of people is to identify their struggle, hold their hands, and offer them support. However, giving them comfort without giving them truth is an eternal death sentence. I don’t want them to suffer the destruction that awaits people who are deceived! Nor do I want them to live defeated, afraid, or guilt-ridden. They need my help. Someone who is familiar with the pain of being under the control of the flesh and not under the control of Jesus.

Even though it took me years to figure this out, it doesn’t have to be that way for them! They can come to know Him fully and be enveloped in His presence from every member of church and through their prayers.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.

James 5 HCSB – Warning to the Rich – Come now, you – Bible Gateway

Although, the landscape of the culture may look bleak, the unfolding glory of God’s presence has never diminished! His mercies are new every day in the shadows of persistent sin and His word is still available to bring myself and carnal Christians under the control of Jesus. Praise and glory be to God the Father for sending His only Son to take the punishment I deserve. May I not only see it daily, but share it with those in need.

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