Lonely, But NOT Alone

 

    In life,... 

there are certain storms that you will go through - ALONE,   ☔⛈

there are certain roads you will have to travel - ALONE,  🛣️

there are certain seas you will navigate - ALONE.   🚢 

 

Without your mother,

Without your father,

Without your family,

Without your friends,

just you and the Most High GOD! 

    When you are in HIS will, understand that the storm has a purpose.  That less traveled road has a purpose.  That turbulent sea has a purpose.   When Jacob left Canaan (running from his brother Esau), Jacob was alone.  Undoubtedly, he longed to see his mother and his frail father.  

But, he was alone.  

On the run and all alone...

In a strange land and all alone...

    Somewhere in between his homeland that he had left and the place where he was going, he had an encounter with GOD (Genesis 28).  It was at this point that Jacob realized that GOD was with HIM - HalleluYAH!!!  

    If you are in the midst of an "alone" season, just KNOW that GOD is with you.  ✝️ 

Listen for HIS voice.  (But the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 1 Kings 19:11-13) 🙏🏾

And KNOW that HE will NEVER leave you nor forsaken you!!!

(And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8)

( I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrew 13:5)

Shabbat Shalom (Psalm 119:114)

 

Shabbat Shalom (Psalm 56:3)

 

Consequences But Forgiven - hmm 🤔

     Oftentimes, the terms consequences and forgiveness are misunderstood.  A believer can be forgiven.  But, the harsh consequences often remain.  God is a forgiving God and HIS SON, Yeshua HaMaschiach (Jesus Christ) entered this world for the forgiveness of our sins. ✝️

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

    Throughout the Old Testament, the children of God would sin (fall into apostasy, embrace idol gods and live a life of wickedness).  They would repent and then GOD would deliver them.  During the time of the Judges, this pattern of rebellion lasted for about 400 years.  When the Israelites sinned, there were natural consequences.

• They were oppressed by their enemies.

• They were enslaved by their enemies.

    During these times, they lived a life that the Most High God did not intend for them to live.  Because they chose to sin, they had to suffer the consequences!  When they made a decision to return to GOD, HE delivered them.

2 Chronicles 7:14

 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land".

Although God restored them, their forgiven state did NOT erase the consequences of their past!

• It did NOT erase the fact that they were delivered into the hands of the Philistines for nearly 40 years (Judges 13).
• It did NOT erase the fact that they were oppressed by the Babylonians.

    There are many other examples throughout the Bible. In the New Testament, we get a glimpse of just how a forgiven state does NOT erase the consequences of the past.  Paul killed many believers prior to his conversion. While en route to Damascus to kill more believers, Paul experienced the power of God and became a believer! His conversion did NOT resurrect the Christians that he had previously murdered. The fact that he had once murdered followers of CHRIST is a consequence that he had to deal with for the rest of his life. He went on to write many epistles in the New Testament.  He established churches throughout the world.  So much of what we believe is based on his apostolic calling.  Yet, the consequences of his past were NOT erased.

Here is the takeaway.  When we sin, the natural consequences are often still very much a part of our lives.  Although we no longer do that sin, the consequences often remain. Although we are forgiven, the consequences remain.  And they will remain until God chooses to lift them IF he so chooses.

Call to Action - Examine your life.  Is what you are dealing with a natural consequence of a past sin?  Have you repented?  If so, allow the consequences to be a reminder to NOT do that sin again.  GOD is a just GOD and will forgive us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Shabbat Shalom (Romans 11:34)

 

Baked Chicken Spaghetti

 1. Puree Rotel and Mirepoix.

2. Add seasonings of choice to broth along with chicken.  I used thighs.

3. Add noodles or pasta of choice.

4. Add Cream of celery/chicken or mushroom.  I used Cream of Mushroom.

5. Stir and allow to simmer.

6. Add in the pureed mixture.

7. Allow to simmer before pouring in baking dish.  I added in Moocho Non-Dairy Cheese.

8. I added a bit more seasonings before baking. (about 25 minutes on 375 F.)

This was my first time making this dish.  I was inspired by LJ and Oree over on Youtube!

Shabbat Shalom (Isaiah 25:1)