Hebrews Chapter 10

“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds.” Then he adds, “ I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”   (Hebrews 10:16-17)

Do you know what I love most about scripture?

Scripture displays the heart of God wooing, reminding, chastising, and giving every opportunity for selfish hearts to turn to Him for healing. A spiritual healing from the love of money, sexual immorality, lack of love for others, the need for approval, our selfish pride, love of material things, and even putting the love of our children above Him.

Yes, we need the kind of healing only Christ has the power to offer!  Then God will then remember our lawless deeds no more. What? All those things mentioned previously, are lawless deeds?

Yes! Anything, we love above our Lord and placed higher in our priorities above Him is a lawless deed. I am guilty, maybe we both are. But at the same time, we can be thankful!  The love of things or people above God does not have to take over our lives.

The writer of Hebrews urges us to “draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:22-23.

English Standard Version

This may be just as hard for us today as it was the first century Christians. After all, after they were enlightened, they endured a hard struggle with sufferings, public reproach, and affliction (vs. 32).  

They joyfully accepted the plundering of their property, as many Christian throughout the world do today in India, Europe, the Middle East, China, and Korea…..because they knew they had “a better possession and an abiding one (vs. 34). 

The better possession of course is eternity with God. The writer of Hebrews assures us to not shrink back but have faith and preserve our souls (vs. 39)  It’s deep, I know, and a little scary. But so real to our fellow Christians around the world today.

Their reality may hit a weak spot in our souls. Do we see a glimpse of what they endure coming here? I think we do. Are We ready to defend our faith to the death? Will we refuse a very suspicious vaccine that will be mandated in order to continue in a job we’ve enjoyed for years? Will our children and grandchildren be spared the coming judgment for our nation?

Truthfully, we don’t know, but we do have hope! We have powerful weapons to prepare! We have hearts that love and serve our Lord! We offer up a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name (Hebrews 13:16). We share what we have with a clear conscience and we desire to act honorably in all things (13:19). Most of all, we pray fervently, that hearts and minds of our loved ones and all we know with turn to Him for healing and salvation!

The faithful, promising hope of Jesus and His truth, dear friends, is what you and I can love about scripture!

Hebrews Chapter 9

We are Purified One Way…Jesus

“Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.”

Hebrews: 9:22

Sometimes I think of how thirsty I’d have to be to drink a cup of water from the Ohio river. The thought of drinking sewage, pharmaceutical, and industrially contaminated water is down right repulsive. Just like my sin is to God. I’m like water needing purification before I enter the presence of God. A process similar to what river water needs before entering the pot to brew my favorite tea.

Purify means to make pure; clear of any material defilement or imperfection. Different processes of purification are used in cleaning our river water, fine jewelry, and even cloth for clothes and sheets. Let’s face it, in their natural state, things come along to contaminate what was meant to be pure.

 Our need for purification is an ongoing process that we face daily with repeated contaminates. We learned a couple of weeks ago our inner conversation with God is never hidden from His sight. When we read in His words to us in the bible, He is giving us His divine instruction on how to live. The living, active, sword that pierces to the division of our soul and spirit also discerns the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. We are all naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13)

Although we are seeking Him, we still struggle to fully submit ourselves to Him. As we read, we may think “Well, that’s not for me” or “He can do that, I can’t.” “Ok, Lord, I’ll try to do better.”  “I’m not sure about this…” Taking a step towards sacrifice in today’s culture is to obey the uncomfortable things He’s asking us to do in His word.

God highlights in His word, His holiness, and our great need for Him.

The first century Christian coverts from Judaism, understood a different arrangement of gifts and sacrifices. The need for various washings, and the sprinkling of blood for the forgiveness of sins was ingrained upon them since childhood. Although, those rituals were offered, they could not perfect the conscience of the worshiper. (Hebrews 9:6-10)

Knowing we are helpless babes in need of a powerful advocate to cover our pathetic attempts to clear our own conscience, God sent His son. He made a greater and more perfect sacrifice to cover our sin for eternity. Jen Wilkin, in our Hebrews study (2019) points out the inspiring words of Paul to Titus as he emphasizes this point.

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,  waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”

Titus 2:11-14 ESV, Bible Gateway)

The apostle Peter closes this lesson out well with his words of encouragement:  

“Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ.” (1 Peter 1:18, ESV)

Lord, how wonderful and awesome are your ways! The savored and treasured blood of Christ covers us in ways we may never fully grasp but recognize as a powerful gift. Thank you for your cleansing power! Thank you for refining us like silver and gold to be a people zealous for pleasing You!

Have a blessed day, secure in the saving grace of our Lord Jesus!

Hebrews Chapter 8

“In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.”

Hebrews 8:13

Obsolete.

An outdated and no longer functioning system, idea, or product we once thought we could not live without. Do you have one you remember vividly?

I grew up with straight, fine hair. I slept on sponge rollers many nights for those curls I longed for…until the curling iron came along!  The same is true of my ninth-grade typewriter. I still have one in my closet!

I’m sure you and I could sit together reminiscing about obsolete items we used daily and now never give much thought. We’ve progressed with the times, the old has passed away and the new has come.

The concept of no longer depending on old items or ideas is similar to a picture in the scriptures of us being new creatures in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away and the new has come.

English Standard Version, Bible Gateway

Just as Christ makes us new individually, the same is true of His power over the old covenant. It was outdated and no longer functioning because it had no power to change hearts. The tabernacle and temples were copies and shadows of the real place where God truly dwells.

Jesus, as the perfect, sinless, High Priest offers the ultimate sacrifice—Himself. As such, He surpasses the fallen priests who atone for their own sin before they can present a sacrifice for the sins of the people.  The old covenant and sacrificial system, established by God, points toward Jesus. His birth, death, and resurrection make the old covenant obsolete and establishes the better covenant.

Jeremiah assured believers of this, when he said, the laws will be written on their hearts and in their minds. A new enlightenment with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. His prophecy in Jeremiah 31:31-34

 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah,  not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord.  For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

English Standard Version Bible Gateway ** a concept pointed to in Better, A study of Hebrews by Jen Wilken, p 92.

A better way to reach the lost than an estimated one million people leaving ancient Egypt and gathering in the wilderness. Bewildered people emerging from bondage and surviving a red sea passage and looking toward the cloud holding the presence of God by day and fire by night ( Exodus 13:21, Isaiah 63:11-14).Standing, wondering, and dependent on the one person who could reveal God’s message. Relying on Moses, then the priests, to read the law of the covenant to the large groups of people at the tent of meeting, once the tabernacle was built.

Furthermore, the freed slaves of Israel are dependent on their brother or neighbor to make sure they heard God’s message correctly and understood it thoroughly in the crowd of thousands. Instituting a new way to live was necessary as they learned to remove the bondage of paganism. Their uneducated souls, fearfully looked to Moses for redemption in the harsh and barren land.

However, we see the prophecy of Jeremiah truly come to life in John the Baptist and Jesus when they share the message of the gospel.

People are led by the presence and power of God’s Word in the proclamation of the good news, rather than through Moses, the priests, and each other. Through the Holy Spirit, His teaching spread the Word like tongues of fire after Jesus’ ascension into heaven (Acts 2:1-4). The Holy Spirit came to dwell in men and women. The apostles recorded the inerrant word of God for all to read. Furthermore, the prophecy of Jeremiah continues today as the truth of God’s revelation is bound in the Holy Bible and is, to this day, the number one selling book of all time.

Sisters, what an honor and privilege we have, to read the word of God daily!

How blessed are we… educated to read His word, and sought by the Holy Spirit, who woos us to the love peace of Jesus?  May we take comfort in the words of the apostle Paul today:

“The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since He himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him. Yet He is actually not far from each one of us,”  Acts 17:24-27

English Standard Version Bible Gateway

Thank you, Father in Heaven! We are here today, reading your word in the determined city of residence, in this time period of 2020. Showered with the wealth of running water, electricity, comfortable beds, shelter, and the protection of law enforcement. We are unworthy, yet so grateful, You woo us with your Holy Spirit.

The obsolete law of the old covenant could not compare to the sacrifice of Your Son. May we take comfort in Jesus’ finished work on the cross today and every day. Please prepare our hearts and minds Lord for your second coming; for the signs are clear, this ole world is growing old and is ready to vanish away.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

“ For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.”

Hebrews 7:18-19

CLICK HERE TO READ: Hebrews Chapter 7

A better hope.

It sounds so promising in light of our striving for perfection. The idea of attaining flawlessness with Christ we are unable to achieve on our own. 

Although, the commandments set before Israel are for their protection and pointing them toward a better life with fewer consequences; they still resisted their guiding principles. As do we.

The writer of Hebrews urges them to remember the story of Melchizedek. Resembling the Son of God, he has no genealogy.  Abraham honored him with a tenth of the spoils out of the gratitude of his heart. He says, “It is indisputable that the inferior is blessed by the superior”. (vs 7)

No Levitical priesthood following in the line of Abraham could assure Israel of right relationship with God. They were busy making amends for their own sin as well as the sins of the people they served. They, and the law are clearly insufficient to save anyone.

Therefore, a plan was in place to offer a better hope for their souls …and ours!  Jesus, the one “high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens” (vs. 26)

It is the love of God showered on our hurting world.

We draw near to God when we realize life is empty without Him. When we’ve tried things our way, outside His protection and reaped the consequences. Rules are useless and weak when our hearts are deceived.

The gratitude of a changed heart, on the other hand, understands Christ pays the debt we cannot pay. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). He does this through His own indestructible life.

We experience a rising peace in the turmoil of our own imperfection. Moreover, others see our victorious life as we walk with a kinder heart, a softer tone of voice, and continual mercy for those who offend us.  

The Prince of Peace fills our hearts with contentment and transforms the priorities. Striving for perfection in work, possessions, or status becomes invigorating faith for a hope-filled gospel!

Amen and thank you Jesus!

Dearest Lord, as you open the eyes of our hearts today, help us see areas where we continue to strive. Areas that glorify us and not you. Please make us aware of pride and discontent with material or physical things that take our eyes off of you. Please help us be content in the everyday blessings you shower upon us. Prince of peace, lead us to gratefulness and a willingness to please you above pleasing ourselves. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.  And this we will do if God permits.
Hebrews 6:1-3

Hope in the finished work of Jesus.

It’s all we have.

No work based faith will bring us closer to God or into heaven because God looks at the heart. No act of contrition, tradition, or ritual of religion will bring us closer to God unless we embrace His son, Jesus, and receive love and faith as God’s child.

The author of Hebrews urges us to move forward in the faith Jesus provides. Beyond the foundational principles set by Jesus Himself: Repentance, faith, resurrection of the dead, eternal judgment. It’s heart wrenching to listen to His plea to his Jewish brothers regarding their search for eternal life.

Jesus told the Pharisees in John 5:39-40–“You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me. Yet, you refuse to come to me that you may have life. For, if you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote of me.”

English Standard Version, Bible Gateway

Jesus also clarifies whoever has true faith will endure to the end. Those who flirt with Christianity and try to do things out of their own strength will fall away. It is utter dependence on Jesus that our hope is built, nothing else.

JOHN 10:22-30

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

English Standard Version, Bible Gateway

It’s not unusual for people to fear change and loss. The radical life of following Jesus was too much for a law abiding Jew to swallow. Sometimes it is for us too. Giving up status, work, opportunity, family relationships, and cultural rituals passed down for centuries was life altering for the people of Israel. They knew they would embrace poverty, suffering, persecution, famine, and sword as they submitted all to Christ…..

Just as Jesus suffered, they too, would endure suffering for following Him.

Although, they would do it with hope for eternal life and an inner peace of their souls. A peace only He can provide. It was worth it for them and He is worth it for us. We won’t be like those who’s outward appearance of shallow faith becomes evident under hardship. There will be no lack of fruit flowing from our changed hearts. Moreover, we will avoid the world’s empty promises that ultimately lead to bitterness and hopelessness.

Because Jesus calls us to examine our hearts and seek healing in His all consuming power over death and despair. He is calling each of us every day. Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, place your burdened soul down and trust me to carry you through.

I’m praying my heart and your heart is His today, friends. As we reach out to Him with all we have, even if it is a tiny thread of hope…..He will multiply it ten-fold with each step of faith. Love you!

Do you ever feel like something important is slipping away and you have no control over it?

I’m wondering if the first century Jewish Christians felt the same way. The torture tactics, emperor Nero subjected Christians to so they would not follow “The Way” were chilling.

How would the picture of Hebrews 11:37 affect our stand in claiming Jesus today?

We see a picture of terror for these first century brothers and sisters in Christ that our soft lifestyle of abundance might just cave under. Something important was slipping away and they had no control over it. Fear of losing temporary physical life was overcoming faith in eternal life with Christ.

The writer of Hebrews is urgently calling them to hold fast to the hope of Christ and look beyond their circumstances.

Our ladies group is studying “Better, A Study of Hebrews, by Jen Wilken. She points us toward the repeated phrase “hold fast” and what we see the first century Jews holding fast to in the following verses….. (LifeWay Publishing,Wilkin, 2020 p. 53)

Hebrews 3:6

Hebrews 3:14

Hebrews 4:14

Hebrews 6:18

Hebrews 10:23

I can’t help but remember and ‘hold fast’ to the words of Jesus in Matthew 10:28

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Lord Jesus, help us fix our eyes on you and away from our lives in this temporary place. Please forgive us our grumbling in our comfort. Help us see the suffering of today’s Christians in China, Korea, the Middle East, India, and Africa as they face the same persecution your first church faced. May we continually keep them in prayer as they suffer and offer them any support you lay upon our hearts to offer.

Father, the faith of our children is slipping away, please help them hold fast. Our elderly are slipping away in fear of disease and isolation from their families, please comfort them. You see our country slipping away due to sin and rebellion, please help her turn from her sin and seek you again.

You are our confidence. You are our hope. You lift us up when we are too weak to cope in this world and remind us Jesus, you overcame the world. Our hope is in you and life with you forever. Although, we will not escape the daily tribulations of this world, you will be with us and guide us. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, amen.

“Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
2 Corinthians 13:11

I like the key word in this verse…aim. Aiming for restoration and comforting one another. The act of living in peace is what we, as Christians wake up with every intention of doing each day. Meeting God in His word and beginning with prayer helps us hit the mark. Well, aim better anyway.

We may be tempted in situations to respond in haste. We may forego the extra time to stop and listen to the answer of our own question, “How are you?” to our neighbors. While each hour of our day passes we have the opportunity to take extra time or go the extra mile. When we do, a small spark of confidence grows and the peace of God is present in our small victories.

We can feel Him smiling as our aim is closer to that of his Son.

While we think about our aim to be more like Christ, I’ll share the aim of this cherry tart. It offers a balance of delicious tart and sweet flavor for our enjoyment. A crunchy oat and walnut cluster of top is slightly sweet and filling. Also, the use of a very small amount of sugar and stevia allow this pleasure to remain a healthier option for a rounded snack or breakfast substitute.

Cherries dark red juice and skin is loaded with anthocyanins to help fight inflammation. They also contain a decent amount of vitamin C. There is no guilt indulging in this beneficial treat.

Cherry Tarts

Filling

• 3 Cups Cherries (Fresh or Frozen)
• 1/4 Cup of Sugar mixed with 1 scoop of PURE stevia or monk fruit
• 1/2 Teaspoon Almond Extract
• 1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon or nutmeg
• 1 Tablespoon Tapioca Starch or Arrowroot Powder

Crust

• 2 Cups Organic Gluten Free Oats
• 1/3 Cup Organic Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Sugar (Optional)
• 1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 Cup Walnuts Chopped

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine your filling ingredients in a bowl and toss well with the sugar, arrowroot powder, and spices. Place in a 8 pre-made tart shells and set aside. Combine oats, olive oil, sugar, cinnamon and walnuts in a bowl and place over the cherries. Bake for 30-40 minutes.

Take a couple of theses along with you as you visit shut ins or drop them off on the door step with a card of encouragement! Aiming high is our goal in our efforts to comfort and agree with on another.

Enjoy!

“….so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;
Colossians 1:10-11

Paul and his run on sentences! Breaking it down for me today for a short devotion….bearing fruit, increasing in knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power….(NOT according to my might but HIS might) and not just His might but His glorious might.

Now that is a promise worth holding onto for the rest of my days!

I have no strength apart from Jesus and I have no knowledge without the Word of truth shared in the bible. May the hope of these verses lift your spirit to a new level today just as a hearty meal from the garden will lift your stamina.

This sounds complicated because of three step process, but I assure you….it is easy. I chose to use Kale in this pesto only because I did not have basil on hand, and there is a LOT of it in the garden.

I’ve also used spinach in the past (LOVE THAT) it’s a little sweeter, but I like to keep things versatile so you can substitute and use what works for you. This is also one of those really good preparation day meals to cook ahead and eat later in the week.

There are so many benefits of kale with good amount of protein, rich in vitamins A, C, & K see this Healthline article for all the benefits!

Kale Pesto & Spaghetti Squash

Pesto

• 1 Cup Fresh Kale (Spinach or Basil)
• 1 Roasted clove of garlic (this gives a milder garlic flavor you can use fresh, but it will be strong!)
• 2 Tablespoons of Romano Cheese
• 1 Tablespoon of Sliced Almonds
• 1/3 Cup Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1/4 Tsp Salt
• 1 Dash of Pepper

Puree in a food processor until smooth.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Prepare Spaghetti Squash by washing well, cutting in half, scoop out seeds, sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder, Bake one hour until tender. Meanwhile, prepare meatballs.

Meatballs

• 1 Pound of lean ground beef (Turkey or Chicken)
• 1/4 Cup finely chopped onions
• 2 Tablespoons of Fresh Parsley
• 1 Tablespoon Grated Romano Cheese
• Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt and pepper ( I don’t measure this, it is to your own taste)

Roll into 1 inch balls and bake alongside squash for about 35-40 minutes.

When the squash is done, remove from oven and let cool until it can be safely handled. Carefully fluff with a fork to remove the flesh of the squash, add a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder as needed for flavor. Place in a container and add one tablespoon of the pesto. Mix well and top with meatballs. I added roasted asparagus. Delicious!

You’ll be more than ready to bear fruit in all your good work!

 Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith that comes from the gospel, not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your deliverance—and this is from God.

Philippians 1:27-28 ESV

1. LIVE WORTHY

You and I are often under the impression that we are trudging through life alone. Outside of our much needed support systems, spouses, and best friends, the core of disease affects us personally. Although we know others have similar afflictions and circumstances, the impact of it actually occurring right now, in my life, at this time, is almost consuming. Nothing prepares us for the unthinkable, because it is not normal to pursue thoughts of disease or infallibility. So, when the dreaded word of cancer, heart disease, diabetes (you fill in the blank) is presented our reaction is: Total shock, followed quickly by fierce denial.

Granted, no one else is in your skin, knows your deepest fears, or understands your uncertainty in processing news. You know it happens every day to millions of people, but today…. it affects you. There is a price for daily choices instant gratification cannot pay but only accrue. Mounting interest escalates into the bankruptcy of nutrient depleted cells and a fight to maintain balance. But wait! There is good news! Not only is the gospel of grace for your spiritual benefit it also empowers you to make better choices for living well. Paul says “live worthy” implying a strength for resisting physical temptations as inherent in the life of believers.

Resilience is in your Devine design. God made your body and every nutrient in the garden with the capability to restore and reboot dying cells. He also gave you the Holy Spirit to become a new person, with new values, and a new desire to please God.

2. STAND FIRM

So, with that determination in mind, you and I can stand firm on the strength of God’s word to fill our grasping souls with His Word and His provision of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and protein in the tasty creations from our grocer’s garden (or our own). The plentiful fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and lean (minimally processed) meats are at our fingertips. Stand frim in faith and hope in our Lord Jesus to sustain the needs of our minds; quelling the anxious thoughts of fear with reassurance. All the while, filling the void of emptiness with peace and comfort; no preservative laden oatmeal cream pie can fill! He is with us always, even until the end of the age. Isn’t it comforting to know we can lean on Him through times of uncertainty?

3. WORK SIDE BY SIDE

But we don’t have to do it alone! We have the help of our coach and a network of people working side by side to cheer us along the way. Encouraging us in those daily victories, pulling us out of that sense of defeat, and LISTENING to our struggles. Facing temptations head on with prayer allows us a chance to step back from a situation, reevaluate, and pursue a stronger option. Prayer and scripture memory effectively renew the mind with the strength of the Holy Spirit! He is also there with us, working side by side; guiding, counseling, comforting. Even if we are not feeling His presence today, all we have to do is ask!

Luke 11:13 says,  “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” God wants to be first in our lives; over food, sweets, material things, jobs, and even family. The reward is such amazing contentment, we won’t know how to react!

• Practical ways to apply this today:
• Pray
• Drink 8-12 ounces of water. Especially if I just ate a full meal two hours ago and I couldn’t possibly be hungry. (This applies unless otherwise instructed by your doctor)
• Move every 30 minutes. If you have a desk job, just getting up to stretch your legs and walking 20-30 ft. every half an hour helps blood flow to your extremities and return to your brain. It helps your mind focus better, while stimulating your metabolism. As well as giving your eyes a rest from the computer. So many benefits from one small move!

May God bless you and keep you as we live worthy, stand frim, and work side by side! We will be successful in rebuilding our cells to strengthen us mentally, while healing physically; repairing our bodies bite by bite to their fullest potential. I’ll be praying for both of us!

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
James 1:19-20

I save myself a lot of anguish and regret when I am slow to speak….not that I always do, but WHEN I do, the outcome is better than when I don’t. There is so much noise and anger right now in our nation, it’s hard to discern what is righteous anger and what is just anger. My spirit aches for those angry hearts, because I know what it feels like to be trapped by it’s ugly snare.

Therefore, wise counsel from James is nice to hear among the clamor of voices. The reality of God’s word is summed up here…..he says, “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” The context of this verse is tucked away in ongoing warnings of being lured by our own desires and staying away from filthiness and wickedness. He goes on to say that religion is worthless if we can’t hold our tongue (vs 26). Ouch.

Statements that check the genuineness of my heart and remind me to live free of anger! Thanks James, because I need to cling to God’s wisdom in an age of extreme chaos. It feeds my soul, just like the sweet potatoes coming on feed my cells.

Yes! My cells love this hormone balancing starchy vegetable from the garden prepared in a variety of ways. I love the nutrients of beta carotene, vitamins A &C, B1 & B6. As well as the good amount of minerals–magnesium, potassium, manganese and copper. Don’t forget they are also full of soluble fiber. All of which increase energy, balance hormones, provide fiber and sustenance. I like the added benefits of pumpkin and sunflower seeds for extra vitamin E and selenium too!

Hey, I”m packing as many nutrient’s as I can into one meal for busy people, ya know!

These wraps are inspired by watching a beautiful Indian woman making a flatbread with a sweet potato several weeks ago. Since I love to make a variety of wraps; why not use this idea to make my own version?

Here is all you need:

• 1 1/4 Cup Organic Unbleached Flour
• 1 Preboiled and Still warm sweet potato ( this makes about 3/4 cup)
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 Cup toasted pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds (1 Tbsp. each)
• 1 Tablespoon Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Place a skillet on the stove with the heat setting on low. Place the pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds in the pan to toast. Just a couple of minutes. Meanwhile combine the flour and salt. Place toasted seeds into food processor and gently pulse until finely chopped. Add them to the flour mixture and mix well.

In a separate cup combine the sweet potato and oil. Using a fork, incorporate the sweet potato mixture into the flour until a nice dough forms. Knead several times on a lightly floured surface until no longer sticky. You may need to add a little more flour. Divide the dough into eight small balls. Roll out one ball at a time, on a lightly floured surface until very thin. Place in the hot DRY skillet to cook, about 30 seconds each side. They will look dry and no longer wet when they are ready.

Place on a dish to cool. Use them for your wraps right away or store them in the refrigerator in a large zip lock bag. They are usually best when used within 7-10 days.

Enjoy the wraps, soak up God’s precious cleansing Word, and gather in the garden!

I pray wise cousel from God’s Word to feed your soul today, as you escape the craziness of our world for the peace of our sweet Jesus. I pray His precious Word brings you comfort as you balance your mind with the bible’s solid reassurance and your body with sustenance from the garden.

Because what’s in the garden is good!