July 31, 2019

JULY '19 - Daily On Line Edition - DAY 31





Following God's Schedule
Most of us enjoy feeling in control of our own schedule and grow frustrated when things don't go according to plan. Yet if we truly desire to walk in the center of God's perfect will, we must become willing to cooperate with His time frame.
Consider how you pray about situations in your life. Without realizing it, you may be demanding that God follow the schedule you've constructed according to your very limited human wisdom. Yet if we believe He is who He says He is, how can surrendering to His way not be to our benefit? Think about His unique, praiseworthy qualities:
Submitting to God's timetable requires faith and courage. Believe in the goodness of His heart and His plans--and determine to wait until He gives the signal to move forward. Then, as you follow His schedule, you'll experience the joy of watching Him make all things beautiful in His timing.
From Dr. Charles Stanley


Today's Devotional Sponsor:





AT THE THRESHOLD OF TEMPTATION 

Titus 2:11, 12 The grace of God has appeared... instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age 

Yielding to temptation is another step toward a stronghold being established in your mind. Whenever you are stimulated to conform to Plan B instead of God's Plan A for your life, you are experiencing temptation. The essence of all temptation is the invitation to live independently of God and fulfill legitimate needs in the world, the flesh or the devil instead of in Christ. That's the great contest. And Satan knows just which buttons to push to tempt you away from dependency on Christ. 

The moment you are tempted to get your need met in the world instead of in Christ, you are at the threshold of a decision. If you don't immediately choose to take that thought "captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5), you will begin to consider it as an option. And if you begin to mull it over in your mind, immediately your emotions will be affected and the likelihood of yielding to that temptation is increased. 

The Scriptures teach us that God has provided a way of escape from every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). But the escape is right at the threshold of the temptation. If you don't control the temptation at the threshold, you run the risk of allowing the temptation to control you. Rare is the Christian who can turn around after directing his will toward Plan B. 

For example, a man sees a pornographic picture and is tempted toward lust. He has the opportunity to respond by saying something like, "My relationship with sin has ended. I choose to take this thought captive to the obedience of Christ. I'm not going to look at it or think about it." And he separates himself from the picture immediately and escapes the lust. 

But if he hesitates at the threshold, stares at the picture, and begins to fantasize about it, he will trigger an emotional landslide producing a physical response which will be difficult to stop. He must capture the tempting thought in the threshold or it will probably capture him. 

Prayer: Dear God, I want to be obedient to Your perfect plan for my life today. I don't want to give in to Plan B thinking. Strengthen my will to obey.






My Mom’s Fudge

from http://delishpoints.com/my-moms-fudge/2/
Ingredients
  • 2 and 1/2 cups white granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 2/3 cup evaporated milk
  • 12 ounce package (2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 7 ounce jar marshmallow cream (also called marshmallow fluff)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions
  1. Line an 8 or 9 inch square pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Coat with nonstick spray. Set aside.
  2. In a 3 quart HEAVY saucepan over high heat, combine sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Use a wooden spoon to stir slowly until butter melts, scraping sides of pan to get all the sugar crystals.
  3. Bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly with a long wooden spoon. Once it starts boiling, set a timer for 5 minutes and turn the heat down to medium so that you don’t burn your fingers off–it should be boiling the full 5 minutes. Stir constantly.
  4. When the timer goes off, remove from heat and add chocolate chips. Stir until all chips are melted and mixture is smooth. Add marshmallow creme and beat with a wooden spoon until well blended. Add vanilla and mix well. Immediately pour into the prepared pan.
  5. Let cool to room temperature. (Good luck with that.)
  6. Slice and serve! Store on the counter covered.




DAILY SMILE:

Birthday Gift 
Family Jokes 
Submitted by Tristan Cook 

When my three-year-old son opened the birthday gift from his grandmother, he discovered a water pistol. He squealed with delight and headed for the nearest sink. 

I was not so pleased. I turned to Mom and said, "I'm surprised at you. Don't you remember how we used to drive you crazy with water guns?" 

Mom smiled and then replied, "Oh I remember!" 





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July 30, 2019

JULY '19 - Daily On Line Edition - DAY 30





Pray... and Do Your Part
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward.” (Exodus 14:15 NKJV)
The Israelites finally were allowed to leave Egypt and return to their homeland. But as they made their way home, they arrived at the Red Sea. Talk about an insurmountable obstacle. There was no way they could cross it. Then they turned and saw the Egyptian army in hot pursuit. What did they do? They started praying.
I love what God said to Moses: “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea” (Exodus 14:15–16 NKJV).
There’s a place for the practical, and there’s a place for the spiritual. There comes a point when we should stop praying and start doing. We have to find a balance. Yes, it’s good to pray. But what is the plan of action? What’s the first step?
Maybe you’re praying, “Lord heal my marriage. It’s unraveling. My spouse is so messed up.” Hold on. What about you? Pray that you would be the husband or wife God wants you to be. Husband, are you loving your wife as Christ loves the church? Why don’t you just start there?
Maybe as a wife you’re praying, “Lord, change my husband. He’s such a loser. He’s such a disappointment.” Maybe that’s part of the reason your marriage is failing. When is the last time you showed him a little respect? When is the last time you complimented him or thanked him?
Yes, we should pray about it when trials come our way. But let’s make sure we’re doing our part. There’s a place for the practical, and there’s a place for the spiritual. They both work hand in hand.
Copyright © 2018 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
From Pastor Greg Laurie


Today's Devotional Sponsor:



God hears you! 

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” - 1 John 5:14 

A man was being pursued by a roaring, hungry lion. Feeling the beast’s hot breath on his neck and knowing his time was short, he prayed frantically as he ran, “O Lord, please make this lion a Christian.” 

Within seconds, the frightened man became aware the lion had stopped. When he looked behind him, he found the lion kneeling, lips moving in obvious prayer. Greatly relieved at this turn of events, and now eager to join the newly converted lion in prayer, he approached the mighty beast. 

As he drew near, he heard the lion praying, “And bless, O Lord, this food for which I am exceedingly grateful.” 

We often have a very specific vision of how we expect God to answer our prayers. But prayer isn’t about the fulfillment of our will – it’s about seeking and trusting in the fulfillment of God’s will. 

You’re probably carrying concerns today that you need to bring before the Lord. Maybe it’s a personal illness or a sick family member. Perhaps you’re lonely, tired, or confused about what’s next in your life. 

God promises in His Word that He hears your prayers. And you can trust that He will answer them in the absolute best way possible – according to His will and your greatest good! 

Prayer Challenge: 

Ask God to help you trust in His goodness, wisdom, and love as you bring your requests before Him. Pray that you’ll long to see His will accomplished in your life. 

Questions for Thought: 

What are some prayers in your past that God answered in ways you didn’t expect? 

How can you pray today in a way that reflects your trust in His will? 

From Senior Living Ministries 





Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients :

•  4 boneless skinless chicken breast
•  1 can chicken broth
•  2 cans cream of chicken
•  sliced carrots
•  sliced celery
•  1/2 can peas
•  1/2 onion
•  crumbled bacon
•  parsley
•  garlic powder
•  salt and pepper
•  1 can flaky biscuits

How to make it:

1.  Place chicken breasts in bottom of crockpot
2.  Pour chicken broth and both cream of chickens over it
3.  Add in carrots, celery and onion. How much ever you prefer
4.  Add in garlic powder, salt and pepper and parsley flakes over it, how much ever you prefer
5.  Cook on high for 3 hours
6.  Remove chicken and shred. Add the chicken back in with some crumbled bacon and the peas, stir together.
7.  Break up the flaky biscuits, uncooked, and put in the crockpot. I break each roll in about 3 parts and just place them on top.
8.  Remain cooking for another hour or so on high or until done. Enjoy!


DAILY SMILE:

Success 
Doctor Jokes 
Submitted by Retired Terp 

A very angry woman stormed up to the receptionist's desk. "Someone stole my wig while I was having surgery yesterday," she complained. 

The doctor came out and tried to calm her down. "I assure you that no one on my staff would have done such a thing," he said. "Why do you think it was taken here?" 

"After the operation, I noticed the wig I was wearing was cheap-looking and ugly." 

"I think," explained the surgeon gently, "that means your cataract operation was a success." 




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July 29, 2019

JULY '19 - Daily On Line Edition - DAY 29




I’m a Hypocrite 

by John UpChurch 

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.” Matthew 6:5 

The college-me would call the current-me a hypocrite. That’s what I did back then. Anyone claiming to be a Christian automatically earned that prestigious title. I could judge, after all, because I sat in my lofty seat in the college library and weighed such grave matters in my head and in my poetry. My pencil could strike down any Christ-follower with a witty rhyme. I knew they were all fake. 

So, I had a lot to learn about love. But I was right about the hypocrisy thing. The current me is, in fact, a hypocrite. 

Jesus warned us not to be like the hypocrites, those who put on a show but don’t let the show touch their hearts. And when I’m honest, that’s exactly what I do sometimes. My worship becomes a series of movements, a tentative toe-tap into the spiritual waters. All the while, my mind has drifted off to my bank account, my schedule, and my Instagram feed. 

That type of worship isn’t worship. It’s a show put on for my own gratification, one that makes me feel better about doing the “Christian thing.” In those moments, I’m exactly what my college self accused me of. 

Hypocrite. 

Thankfully, Jesus warned me about all this ahead of time. When my body and mind get out of sync, when my devotion becomes a demonstration, His warnings inevitably hit me in the chin. Matthew 6 cues up on my audio Bible, His admonitions pop up on someone’s blog, or I just catch myself in the act. That’s when I see just how much I’m simply going through the motions. 

Unlike my college self, who judged to feel superior, God unmasks hypocrisy because He wants me to get real. His gentle (and not-so-gentle) nudges snap me out of my one-man show. 

Intersecting Faith and Life: When Jesus warned His followers about hypocrisy, He knew they’d need the reminder. He knew we would need the reminder two thousand years later. Why? Because humans like to put on a good show and we don’t always live what we believe. Our hearts skip off like sheep while our bodies do those “Christian duties.” 

Thankfully, God’s in the shepherding business. He knows how to shear that acting junk right off.



Today's Devotional Sponsor:







LOADED BAKED POTATO SALAD

from http://delishpoints.com/loaded-baked-potato-salad/2/


Ingredients:
•  8 medium Russet Potatoes
•  1 cup sour cream
•  1/2 cup mayonnaise
•  1 package of bacon, cooked and crumbled
•  1 small onion, chopped
•  Chives, to taste
•  1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
•  Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Wash and cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Cover with water and boil until fork tender, about 20-25 minutes. Do not overcook!
2. Drain and cool the potatoes. I put them in a separate bowl and once they cooled enough I put them in the fridge to cool all the way. This gave them an excellent texture and prevented the dairy ingredients from getting hot or the cheese from melting. If you are serving this salad hot then you don’t need to cool the potatoes, just skip step 2!
3. Mix the mayo and sour cream together in a bowl. Add to the potatoes, then add the onions, chives, and cheese. Salt and pepper to taste – I use a pepper grinder and a sea salt grinder for EVERYTHING so I never know exactly how much of either I put in. I think the taste is far superior to just using regular table salt and pepper.
4. Top with extra shredded cheese and bacon and serve!


DAILY SMILE:

Marriage Advice 
Marriage Jokes 
Submitted by S.Sovetts 

When a woman in my office became engaged, a colleague offered her some advice. "The first seven years are the hardest," she said. 

"How long have you been married?" I asked. 

"Seven years," she replied. 


Editor's Note:
      Elaine and I have been married for 39 years; and I would have to say that the first 39 years are the hardest and easiest...


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July 28, 2019

JULY '19 - Daily On Line Edition - DAY 28




Are You Asking God This Question? 

by Gwen Smith 

Today’s Truth 

Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same. (Luke 3:11) 

Friend to Friend 

Luke 3 tells the story of John the Baptist as he began his ministry. His job? Prepare the way of the Lord. (Luke 3:4) Many royal rulers and powerful leaders of the land are listed at the beginning of the chapter to set the stage and give us historical context, yet it is a normal guy, born to older parents, in an off-the-map-of-all-places-important rural village that the Lord called to be the forerunner for Jesus. (Doesn’t it encourage you that God uses normal people from ordinary places to tell the world about Jesus? Me too.) 

The Lord spoke to John when he was in the wilderness and told him what to do (Luke 3:2). Then John walked his sandals to the dusty country trails around the Jordan and got himself busy for Jesus. He preached what the Bible calls “a baptism of repentance” for the forgiveness of sins, and he challenged the people of Israel to live lives that produced fruit in keeping with repentance. (Luke 3:3,8) His message was two-fold, but simple: turn from sin and turn toward God. 

The people wanted John to help them understand. They wanted to know what that should look like in their lives. 

“What should we do then?” the crowd asked. (Luke 3:10) 

That same question was shouted from people of different backgrounds, careers, ages, and responsibilities … from people with different challenges and different experiences. What should we do? 

John answered them. And in doing so he painted a picture of what it should look like for every follower of Jesus to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. Look at what he said. 

John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” 

Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” 

“Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. 

Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” 

He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” (Luke 3:11-14) 

The Bible goes on to say that John spent time with the people, exhorted them, and told them the good news that God had sent him to share. (Luke 3:18) As I consider the illustrations that John used to describe what a fruit-producing life looks like, I reflect. Am I asking God that question? What should I do, Lord? 

Thankful for this fresh heart-burden, I decide to summarize what John told the people and apply the principles to my life. This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but it is a great starting point. (Especially for a New Year.) Here are the things that John said we should do in order to be fruit-bearers. 

#1. Share – Live beyond yourself and your stuff. Be generous. 

#2. Be honest – Do your job. Don’t take what’s not yours, and tell the truth. 

#3. Live with integrity – Don't do what you shouldn’t do, even if you can, and treat others well. 

#4. Be content – Stop reaching and straining for stuff that doesn’t really matter in light of eternity. Be thankful for what you have. 

As I look over this list, I wonder. What changes can I make in the way I do things that will produce more fruit? How willing am I to share? Am I honest? Who am I when others aren’t looking? Do my choices honor God? Am I content? 

James 2:14-26 says that faith without deeds is dead. I want my life to give evidence of faith – to shout the fame of Jesus, just like John the Baptist. I want to be a woman who produces fruit in keeping with repentance … fruit that bears evidence of my turning from sin toward God. Yes. Yes. Yes! 

So I determine that this list is a great place to start. 

Join me? 

Let’s Pray 

Dear Lord, Thank You for your Word that is rich with lessons. Please help me to be a woman who does things that will cause others to see You. Help me to share, be honest, live with integrity and be content. 

In Jesus’ Name, 

Amen.


Today's Devotional Sponsor:



Greed Stinks

by Mary Southerland 

Today’s Truth 

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry (Colossians 3:5, NIV). 

Friend to Friend 

Cantaloupe may very well be my favorite food. When it is in season, I stock up and always have some on hand. On one particularly hot day, a lunch of cantaloupe sounded luscious ... and it was. Afterward, I was gone for several hours, running errands. When I walked back in the front door that afternoon, a foul stench nearly knocked me down. It was such a strong odor! A dead animal was my first thought. A plumbing problem was my next idea. I began a room-to-room search that ended abruptly at the kitchen sink. Opening the cabinet underneath, I nearly gagged at the stench that slapped me in the face. I instantly remembered that I had thrown the cantaloupe peels in the garbage before running errands and forgotten to take them to the outside garbage can as I usually did. The house reeked, and the delicious cantaloupe was forgotten as I threw the peels away, lit every candle I could find, and opened every window in an effort to eliminate the odor of rotting fruit. Nasty! 

Greed acts the same way in our life and must be treated like garbage. Deliberately throw it away. Remove it from your life as soon as you discover its presence. In 2 Corinthians 7:1, we find the apostle Paul’s strong warning to “purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." Greed is the gangrene of the soul. If not quickly dealt with, greed will contaminate every emotion, creating a foul stench in every part of life. Choose against it. Fight it with Scripture and bombard it with prayer, remembering that God alone is our provider and that He will supply our every need. 

I have come to the conclusion that the underlying problem with wants and needs is that we confuse the two.  What we want and what we need are not always the same things. Anyone who has met my husband will tell you that he is down-to-earth and unassuming. Dan may be a mega church pastor, but he is also very approachable and unpretentious. The truck Dan drives is proof that he is totally unimpressed with the material things this world has to offer. Our family named the truck “Old Blue” for two reasons. It is old, and it is blue. However, it is paid for, and it runs. However, I am certain he would not turn down an offer from someone who wanted to buy him a brand-new Ford F-150 truck as a Christmas gift. In fact, from time to time, I have seen him gaze at some bright, shiny new truck with longing in his eyes. 

Dan has been the lead teaching pastor of a several very large churches and could easily rationalize driving a nice car or truck as part of his pastoral image. The only problem with that idea is that Dan is not the least bit concerned with his pastoral image when it comes to material possessions. He is, however, deeply concerned with the image of God being seen in his life. 

Is it wrong to want and desire nice things? Not if we view and use those nice things as tools and refuse to worship them as idols. I sometimes think God has to strip us of everything we have so we can learn the life-changing truth that He is our Source. Just as the shepherd meets every need of his sheep, God meets our needs. Just as sheep totally depend upon their shepherd's care, we would be wise to depend totally upon God. He is our Provider. He is our Source, and He is all we need. 

Let’s Pray 

Father, I can be so greedy! Please forgive me when I live as though You cannot provide my every need. Help me to walk by faith, knowing that You love me fiercely and will take care of me. You are my Father, my God … my Provider! Thank You! 

In Jesus’ Name, 

Amen. 

DAILY SMILE:

Hope the Rain Keeps Up 
Sport Jokes 
Submitted by Benjones 

Two guys sitting in a football stadium waiting for the game to start. 

One turns to the other and says, “I hope the rain keeps up!” 

“Oh, why?” 

“So it doesn’t come down!”




Creme of Coconut Cake


You’ll Need:
  • 1 box of yellow butter cake mix.
  • 1 can of cream of coconut.
  • 1 can of Eagle Brand milk.
  • 8 oz of cool whip.
  • 1 package of frozen thawed coconut.

How to:
  1. In a 13x9x2 pan bake the yellow butter cake mix according to the directions on the package.
  2. Pierce the cake with a fork while it’s still hot.
  3. In a bowl, mix together the cream of coconut and can of Eagle brand milk and pour over the cake.
  4. Refrigerate covered. Once cooled, top with 8 ounces of cool whip and a package of frozen coconut and store in the refrigerator.

Easy, peasy and refreshing! This cool white dessert is very simple and easy to make and it’s perfect for dessert! Just give it a try, you will fall in love!



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July 27, 2019

JULY '19 - Daily On Line Edition - DAY 27




He That Hath an Ear 

by Michael Ford 


For at least thirty years I have been preaching the letters of Jesus our Saviour to His churches in the Book of Revelation (2:1-3:22) have a four-fold reality. They were clearly never intended to be read only by the individual church addressed. And they impact both things that were at the time they were written as well as things that would be. But the greatest significance is a personal one. Every believer can find themselves within the seven letters. And this is important because, like the churches of the day found their own estimates of how they were doing different from God’s evaluation, we should seek to discover our Lord’s opinion and make any needed changes accordingly. 

While it is also true all Scripture is written for our admonition and instruction, relationships between different passages have a unique importance. We should seek to never to miss any of them because of this fact. For instance there is an inescapable relationship between how the Lord dealt with the Egyptians when He brought out the Chosen People and how He will deal with the world in Tribulation as He separates a chosen remnant at that time. The uncountable number of sevens in the unfolding as well as the over eight hundred Old Testament allusions makes me believe Dr. Missler is probably correct when he said the reference to “he that hath an ear let him hear” appearing seven times in other parts of the Bible are likely true 

The search has already yielded blessing in communication with biblical inquirers as well as insight into Holy Text. My late friend George Rowland and I would sometimes read a single passage over and over together just to feed in a single portion. Many who were present at such times did not return for they felt the exercise tedious. I did not fault them for that is hard on some who cannot go over and over a piece of evidence like an investigator looking to understand the clue. But the search we are now on encompasses the whole Bible and who knows what wonders will finally be unearthed? 

Today's Devotional Sponsor:


Saved By Grace Alone

James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

The concept within this verse has been confusing good Christians for many years. We will make an attempt to simplify, so, I can understand it.

First, is the question of salvation. Do we believe we are saved by grace (unmerited grace or love of God), or, do we believe we can do enough good works, give enough money to our church,or, live a life good enough to get salvation? The answer is rather simple. In Ephesians 2: 8 & 9 we are told we are saved by grace and not by works!

The second question is, can one be saved and not have good works? Again, the answer is a simple YES!

The thief on the cross beside Jesus was saved, then died on his cross. Another, is one on their death bed that gets saved. They don't have time to do any good works. God accepts them because of their belief and God's love.

The third question is; can one have faith (salvation) and not have good works? The simple answer is usually,no. A saved person will want to obey Jesus, will want to work. Not to get saved, but, because they are saved.

Now, what do you want?
Salvation will give you a new “want to”.
God Bless;
Walter D. Hill D. Min.


DAILY SMILE:

Two Monkeys Share 
Puns 
Submitted by Danny Jackson 

What do you call two monkeys who share an Amazon account? 

Prime mates. 




Mini Meatloaf Muffin Pan


Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground chuck
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 egg plus a splash of milk, beaten
  • 1 cup plain bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons grill seasoning such as steak seasoning
  • 1 cup smoky BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup tomato salsa
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • extra-virgin olive oil


Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 450. In a big bowl, add the beef, onion, celery, and pepper and mix to combine. Add egg, beaten with milk, bread crumbs, and grill seasoning to the bowl. Mix to combine. 
2.  Next, in a small bowl, mix together the smoky barbecue sauce, the salsa, and the Worcestershire sauce. 
3.  Pour about three quarters of the sauce mixture into the bowl with the meatloaf mix. Mix the meatloaf together well. 
4.  Brush a 12-muffin tin (1/2-cup each) with extra-virgin olive oil. 
5.  Fill each tin with the meatloaf mixture. Top each meat loaf with a spoonful of the extra sauce. 
6.  Bake about 20 minutes. 
7.  Cut open one muffin to test that the middle is cooked through.



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