Happy Sunday!

Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

 

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Ephesians 5:15-16

NIV

Doing You WELL Wednesday

What’s Your Connection?

Never underestimate the power of God.  Sometimes, we take for granted that we can do things on our own - totally independent of Almighty God.  While we underestimate HIS power, we often,  overestimate our own abilities - failing to realize that apart from HIM we are absolutely nothing.

For it is in Him that we live, we move and we have our being.   (Acts 17:28)

So, today, I pose two questions -”Who are you with? And, with whom are you trying to do whatever it is you are trying to do?”

1. Are you trying to do things with your reasoning?  Perhaps, you are trusting your education, your intellect or your beliefs to make things happen in your life.  OR,
2. Are you trying to make things happen because of your resources?  Maybe your income or your bank account is so impressive that you feel as if you can move mountains.  OR,
3. Are you trying to make things happen because of your relationships?  You know how we, sometimes, have a tendency to name drop.  We try to use name dropping as a way to persuade others to move on our behalf.  Relationships with other people are important.  But, if you don’t have a relationship with the RIGHT ONE, all of your endeavors are in vain.

Could it be that the reason your attempts are unfruitful is because you are not connected with the RIGHT ONE?  Could it be that your efforts, alone, are just not enough?  

The WORD of God reminds us in Matthew 19:26 that without God, our efforts are impossible.  They are pointless.  They are counteractive, fruitless and without direction.  

Remember, it was Daniel’s connection with God that allowed him to spend a night with hungry lions and not become their dinner.  It was Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s connection with God that protected them from a fiery furnace.  It was Paul and Silas’ connection with God that made it possible for them to walk out of prison.

Therefore, I encourage you, today, to check your connections.  Are you with God, or are you with man?  Because the WORD plainly states that,  “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible”.

 

 

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Linking up with Michell at Prowess and Pearls for DYWW

Happy Sunday!

^{What are you speaking concerning your situation? Death or life?}

 

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

 

Proverbs 18:21

 

Linking up with Scripture and a Snapshot

Meatless Monday #29

Homemade Vegetable Soup #3

 

The temperatures have begun to drop, and the feel of fall is in the air.  During the cooler months, I tend to eat more chili and soups.  Making soup is a good way to avoid throwing away vegetables that, otherwise, may go to waste.  I prefer using fresh vegetables, but I often add in canned or frozen vegetables.  This weekend, the weather has been perfect for enjoying a bowl of soup.  Below is a simple recipe that I used.  It can be tweaked to fit your taste buds.

 

Blend carrots, tomatoes and sweet red peppers with a couple of cloves of garlic to make the base. If you do not have carrots and tomatoes, use canned tomatoes or tomato sauce.  Pour the tomato base into a stockpot and heat.  Chop celery and red cabbage.  Add it to the pot.  Season to taste, and allow the cabbage, celery, and tomato sauce to simmer.  Drain and rinse a can of black beans and a can of mixed vegetables.  After the cabbage and celery have slow-cooked for about half an hour, add the beans and mixed vegetables.  Simmer for another half hour, and enjoy a bowl of homemade vegetable soup!

I don't always add these vegetables.  These are the vegetables I had in the pantry and in the refrigerator.  Use whatever you have on hand.  If I'm not making a vegetarian soup, I simply add in chicken or beef.

 

 

For other easy vegetarian soup recipes, click on the Meatless Monday tab!







Happy Sunday!

God Is True To His WORD!

 

Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.


Linking up with Doing You WELL Wednesday










 

Doing You WELL Wednesday

From time to time, we all need

...someone to hold our hand,

...a shoulder to cry on,

...someone who will soothe our fears and wipe our tears

And, there are times, when we are so weak that we need a prop.

But, what do you do when your prop fails?

...when your leaning post falls to the ground?

...when your encourager does not encourage you?

What do you do?

I'm reminded of the OT story of how the Israelites won the battle whenever Moses lifted up his hands and how they lost whenever he lowered his hands. I'm reminded of how Moses arms became tired and how Aaron and Hur stood on each side of Moses - holding up his hands. (Exodus 17)

You 're probably wondering - what does this have to do with me in 2013? Well, I believe there are a couple lessons from this story that you and I can apply to our very own lives.

1. Lesson #1

From time to time, it's alright to have a helping hand as long as you don't become completely dependent upon the other hand. The only hand that we should totally rely upon is the hand of God. He won't let us down!

2. Lesson #2
Team up with people who have common goals and who share your passions. My grandmother used to always say, "Birds of a feather flock together." Notice how the Israelites won when Joshua, Moses, Aaron and Hur worked together. They had one goal in mind - to win the battle!


Finally, take inventory of those who surround you. Are they lifting you up, or are they tearing you down? Are they pushing you forward, or are they holding you back? 

Or, are they openly cheering you on when they're really your secret haters?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Give me a discerning spirit to know who's with me and who's against me. Teach me, Lord, to try a spirit by the Spirit. Show me how to treat those who may be outwardly with me, but are really against me. If I need to rid myself of relationships, show me the way. If I need to distance myself from someone, show me the way. Thank you, Lord, for being my very present help during this time of need.

In Jesus' name,

Amen

Linking up with Michell at Doing You WELL Wednesday

Happy Sunday!

  

 

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Lamentations 3:22-23

 

22 It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Linking up with The Sunday Community and Scripture and a Snapshot