The StarLight News: JULY '19 - Daily On Line Edition

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.

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

from http://delishpoints.com/crockpot-chicken-and-dumplings/2/

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."