November 20, 2024

With Joyful Lips I Will Praise You

October 4, 2013 by

SeekingHimLogo

My whole being shall be satisfied…and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.
When I remember You upon my bed and meditate on You in the night watches..
For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings will I rejoice..
Psalms 63:5-7

Take a moment, please, and think back to last night as you laid your weary head down on your pillow…. Did your thoughts turn to praising the Almighty with joyful lips?  Did you remember the blessings and mercies and grace that He had given to you throughout the day?  Did you meditate and consider how very much He had helped you and guided you?  Did you recognize that He had protected you…and did you rejoice?

I think, for most of us, we DO thank God for the day that has just past.  But…then perhaps we get distracted thinking about all that has occurred during the day.  We remember conversations —good AND not-so-good.  We think about unfinished tasks and projects.  We add to the ‘to-do’ list we carry around in our heads.  Maybe we even start worrying over the next day that hasn’t even begun yet.  But there is a better idea!  Try thinking about:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true,
whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8

So take another moment, please.  Think about yesterday….  Was there truth?  Were things right?  Can you remember something lovely that happened?  Did a friend do something you admired?  Did God’s blessings cause your heart to sing His praises?  I venture to say that yes…YES!…there were true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and PRAISEworthy things!!!  Thinking about these kind of things will cause us to praise our great God with joyful lips.  Remembering  the grace and mercy that He gave to us will give us much to meditate upon.  Dwelling upon the goodness of our God will lift our heart and we will rejoice!

Tonight, as you lay your beautiful head down again, sing and speak praises to Your Father!  Instead of worry and concern, allow all the truth, the right and lovely, the pure and admirable, the excellent, the praiseworthy things to fill your heart and mind.  Give praise to the One Who supplied your needs, Who protected you, Who led you and guided you.  Rest, my friend, in the comfort and blessing of His presence…and I am sure you will wake up in the morning, saying as the Psalmist did:

But I will sing of Your mighty strength and power;
yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy and loving-kindness in the morning;
for You have been to me a defense and a refuge in the day of my distress.
Unto You, O my Strength, I will sing praises;
for God is my Defense, my Fortress, and High Tower,
the God Who shows me mercy and steadfast love.
Psalms 59:17 and 18

 * * * * *

Almighty God, You are Holy, You are Faithful, You are Sovereign, You are Love!  Please help us through Your Holy Spirit to remember to think on the truth, the right and lovely, the pure and admirable, the excellent, the praiseworthy things…and to praise You, Lord!   Amen.

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Esther – Chapter 5:1-2

September 30, 2013 by

Here we are in the middle of our study of the Book of Esther.  Throughout her book, Esther: The Beauty of Courageous Submission, Mrs. Schacht shares her understanding of the meaning of the symbolism used in the Scriptures concerning Esther’s story.  One of the most beautiful pictures painted with words is here in Esther 5:1 and 2.

On the third day [of the fast] Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the royal or inner court of the king’s palace opposite his throne room.  The king was sitting on his throne, facing the main entrance of the palace.
And when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight, and he held out to [her] the golden scepter that was in his hand.  So Esther drew near and touched the tip of the scepter.

Take a moment and picture it in your mind…it is a vision of power, of majesty and of grace.  And it must lead us to a vision of the same—power, majesty, and grace—as we, like Esther, approach the Throne—God’s Throne of grace.  Esther, however, approached Ahasuerus’ throne with genuine fear knowing it might mean death.  Remember her words to Mordecai?

Esther 4:16
…and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law:
and if I perish, I perish.

Here is where the similarity ends.  It ends at the Cross.  Our Lord, our Savior, our Redeemer, was the spotless Lamb—the Perfect Sacrifice—required to take away our sins.  We need have no trepidation or fear.  Our welcome has been attained; we have access given to us through the precious blood of Jesus.

Colossians 2:13 and 14
He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness,
which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.

Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away
have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Hebrews 10:19-22
Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

There is no doubt—we can have boldness and confidence; we can draw near in full assurance; we have hearts and bodies which have been cleaned; we have been brought near—by the blood of Christ!  And so…

Hebrews 4:16
Therefore let us come boldly to the throne of grace,
that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our times of need.

Oh what joy…what thrill…what hallelujah goosebumps we should experience!  My sisters, by Jesus’ blood we have arrived!!!  Not by works, not by anyTHING we could do—not prayer, not tithing, not service, no good works of our own—nothing of ourselves!  Only Jesus’ blood, His righteousness, provides for us.

And so, my sisters, I encourage you to remember what is available to you.  Do not allow the enemy of your soul to tell you any different!  Jesus died for you (and me!).  His blood has purchased us.  We have been given access to God Almighty.   Therefore assured of your righteousness through Jesus, go boldly and confidently,  before His throne of grace to receive the mercy and the grace your heavenly Father has to give to you.

*****

Let’s Pray:
We stand continuously amazed and awed at all that You have provided for us, Lord Jesus!  Always in submission to Your Father’s will,  You offered Yourself as the only, the perfect sacrifice to purchase us back from eternal death to life.  No words can ever truly express our gratitude and thanks…may we live in obedience to You thus showing our love for You, Lord.  Amen.

 

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Butternut Squash-Sausage Soup

September 30, 2013 by

♪♬  It’s the most wonderful time of the year!  ♬♪  Yes, I know…that’s a song you might sing during the Christmas holiday season…but for me AUTUMN is the most wonderful time of the year!  The weather is delightful…back to sleeping with the windows open a crack, and we get to break out our beautiful sweaters!  And some of my favorite ingredients to cook and bake with are in-season: pumpkin, apples, cider, pears, cranberries, butternut squash (ok…all the winter squashes!), cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kale!

For the next few weeks, our Monday blog here on At Home w/ GCH will focus on these ingredients while keeping to our healthy but oh-so-yummy! point of view.

Today’s recipe is also our first soup of the season…Butternut Squash-Sausage Soup.  Here’s a link showing the incredible nutritional value of butternut squash.  This recipe remain within our healthy but oh-so-yummy parameters as it is l-o-a-ded with veggies and, while very smooth and  creamy, contains not a speck of butter or sour cream or cheese.  Enjoy!

Butternut Squash-Sausage Soup

2013-09-28 13.33.17

 

Ingredients:
1 butternut squash, 3#2013-09-27 16.59.05
2-3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2# italian turkey sausage, removed from casings
1/2# ground chicken (or turkey)
1 large sweet onion
6-8 ounces Baby Bella mushrooms
1 red or yellow bell pepper
3-4 tablespoons chopped garlic
kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon each: dried sage, marjoram, and basil
8 cups chicken broth
1 can of white beans, drained and rinsed

 

Directions:

  • Preheat the oven to 425.
  • Cut and peel butternut squash; dice into 2″ pieces. Place in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons olive oil; liberally season with salt & pepper.  Stir until well-coated.  Pour onto a large baking sheet lined with foil and roast for 10 minutes.  Stir and flip pieces over.  Roast for an additional 10 minutes.  Remove from oven, and set aside.
  • While the butternut squash is roasting, saute meats together in a large frypan, allowing them to brown just a bit.  Use the edge of a wooden spoon (or a potato masher) to break pieces up as they cook into smaller pieces.  Remove to a bowl, leaving the juices in the pan.
  • Dice the onion, the pepper, and the mushrooms into similar-sized pieces, approximately 1+1/2″.  Add the onion to the frypan and saute for 5 minutes on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.  Then add the mushrooms.  Cook for another 5 minutes; allow the veggies to begin to caramelize.  Add in the peppers; cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Finally add the chopped garlic and the seasonings, cook for 1 minute stirring constantly.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, stir, and bring to a boil.  Add the roasted butternut squash and the beans.  Reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Scoop out about 1+1/2 cups of the chunkier pieces; set aside.
  • With a hand-held immersion blender * carefully puree the soup (or in batches in a countertop blender).
  • Add in the cooked meats plus the veggies you put aside.  Stir all well together, and simmer for 5-10 additional minutes.  Taste (carefully!) for additional seasoning.

* Note: I simply love my immersion blender (we own the Oster 3-in-1)!  I use it almost every day.  It is so handy for many simple, quick blending jobs…even for smoothies or milkshakes.  The best part—it is extremely easy to clean and most often is used right in the cooking pot you are using…not dirtying yet another thing to wash up!   A good quality immersion blender can be purchased for around $25.

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

God loves you!  ♥  (Don’t ever forget that!)

♥  coleen

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GF Sour Cream Chocolate Cupcakes w/ Frosting

September 23, 2013 by

Here on our At Home with GCH blog, Monday’s are always focused on healthy but oh-so-yummy! recipes.  This week’s recipe is for my husband.  (Actually, he is the guinea pig for all of my recipes.  Now he would tell you he is the ‘welcome recipient’ of the firstfruits of all my blog foods.)  So, we were at the store the other day, stocking up on a few gluten free flour varieties when he spotted one we don’t have in our pantry—quinoa flour.  That got my attention…but so did the price!  Oh. My.  But before I was done being aghast about the cost, he had spied a recipe on the back of the package for Sour Cream Chocolate Cupcakes.  Even though I nixed the purchase of the flour, I promised to still make the cupcakes.  Here we go!

2013-09-10 21.00.47

Sour Cream Chocolate Cupcakes

Ingredients:
1+1/2 cups gluten free flour blend *
1+1/2 teaspoons baking powder  2013-09-10 15.44.34
3/4 teaspoon instant coffee granules
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
1/2 cup warmed almond milk
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup sour cream
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup agave nectar
1/4 cup coconut (or palm) sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 325.
  • Line regular sized 12 cup muffin tin with liners.
  • In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the first six ingredients—the dry ingredients—and set aside.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the warm milk and the cocoa powder.  Then stir in the sour cream; set aside.
  • Set up a stand mixer with the paddle attachment; add the butter and beat for 3 or 4 minutes on medium ‘til light and fluffy.
  • Beat in the agave nectar.  Add the coconut sugar, and beat ‘til light and fluffy again.
  • Add the egg and vanilla extract beating ‘til the egg is totally incorporated.
  • Stir in the sour cream/chocolate mixture.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients mixing on the slowest speed just ‘til they are thoroughly mixed together.
  • Divide the batter into the paper-lined muffin tin filling to about 3/4 full (this is a stiff batter).
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes ‘til tops spring back when lightly touched and toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool for just 3 or 4 minutes in muffin tin then remove and set gently onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Chocolate Cream Cheese/Whipped Cream Frosting

Ingredients:
1 cup + 2 tablespoons heavy cream, cold
8 ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
2 tablespoons agave nectar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract , pinch of kosher salt
4 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

  • Chill bowl and beaters in freezer for 10 minutes.
  • Beat 1 cup heavy cream in chilled bowl ‘til stiff peaks form.  Set aside.
  • In separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese along with agave nectar, vanilla , and salt for 3 minutes ‘til light.
  • Sift in the cocoa powder and the powdered sugar. Beat on low for 30-45 seconds ‘til smooth.
  • Add in the rest of the heavy cream and beat ‘til light and creamy.
  • Take 1/3 of the whipped heavy cream and mix in on lowest speed ‘til incorporated.
  • Remove bowl from stand mixer and fold in the rest of the whipped heavy cream ‘ til combined.
  • Pipe (or spread) onto top of cupcakes.  Enjoy!

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

God loves you!  ♥  (Don’t ever forget that!)

♥  coleen

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Esther – Chapter 4:1-3

September 23, 2013 by

Isaiah30_19

Now when Mordecai learned all that was done, [he] rent his clothes and put on sackcloth with ashes and went out into the midst of the city and cried with a loud and bitter cry.  He came and stood before the king’s gate, for no one might enter the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth.  And in every province, wherever the king’s commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and wailing, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
The Book of Esther, chapter 4:1-3

Mordecai was utterly distraught.  The word, distraught, means ‘overly agitated, worried, full of grief, worked up, deeply upset, in a panic.’  In Latin, it literally means to be pulled apart.  Have you ever felt like this?  I am thinking you are nodding your head…for sure I have, too.  There are many reactions and responses to this gut-wrenching emotion of being distraught. Perhaps you might feel as Mordecai did and react by crying out loudly.  Or, rather, you might feel ‘frozen’ and not sure what to do.  Maybe you might feel like you had been punched and just fall to your knees in despondency.  These emotions—being distraught, despondent, unsure—are feelings that the enemy of our souls would want you to experience and succumb to in defeat.

However, there is One Who knows we will feel like this at times and wants us to seek Him for relief and help and deliverance.  Our heavenly Father is the One Who has put ‘feelings’ into our makeup.  Remember He formed and made us; He knows every part of our being…our feelings and our thoughts, too.

O Lord, you have searched me [thoroughly] and have known me.
You know my downsitting and my uprising; You understand my thought afar off.
You sift and search out my path and my lying down; You are acquainted with all my ways.
Psalms 139:1-3

Almighty God wants us to come to Him at any time, with all of our feelings; yes, even when we are distraught, despondent, unsure.  He already knows we are feeling this way…He just wants us to seek Him!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:5-8

The same feelings that Satan attempts to use to pull us down and defeat us, God can use to draw us to Himself.  Listen to the words of the psalmist when he was distraught, despondent, unsure.  Just like Mordecai, he cried out to God.

As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me.
Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice.
Psalms 55:16 and 17

With my voice I cry out to the Lord; with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord.
I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him.
Psalms 142:1 and 2

You know those times when you fall to your knees…so unsure of what to do.  God simply desires a heart of humility as You come before Him.

There is record after record after record in the Scriptures of people who loved God, and did wonderful things as they served Him…and yet, at times, were at their wits’ end.  This account in the Book of Esther is an incredible example of harrowing times—so alarming and scary!   But as we have witnessed over the past three weeks in our study, Esther’s story is one that shows the providential hand of the loving Almighty God.  As we continue our study of the Book of Esther, and Mrs. Schacht’s Esther: the Beauty of Courageous Submission, we will see how Esther also recognized her need for God’s protection, His care, His supply of her needs.

May I encourage each of you to never, ever hold back your desire to cry out to your heavenly Father.  He is always listening.  He has promised.  His promises are ours to stand firmly on knowing Who has spoken them, and Who will bring them to pass.

In my distress I cried to the Lord, and He answered me.
Psalm 120:1

This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
Psalm 34:6

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Acts 2:21

He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry;
when He hears it, He will answer you.
Isaiah 30:19

* * * * *

Let’s Pray:

Thank You, Father, for Your many promises that You will hear our cry…and that You will answer.  You are a Faithful God…who never lies.  We are such blessed women that we can put our absolute trust and total confidence in You!  You are so good to us!  We praise and thank You in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

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Selah

September 23, 2013 by

SeekingHimLogo

God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us—Selah.
Psalm 67:1
A beautiful blessing, yes?  Do you remember when God told Moses to speak this blessing over the Israelites?
And the Lord said to Moses, Say to Aaron and his sons, This is the way you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them, The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.  And they shall put My name upon the Israelites, and I will bless them.
Numbers 6:22-27
This blessing had particular meaning because Moses and Aaron had been giving many ‘rules and regulations’ to the people from God.  Some of the instruction they received also included ‘cursings’ (consequences that would come due to sinful behavior).  And so, God gave  grace to them and had Aaron speak this blessing over them.
Note the seemingly odd word at the end of Psalm 67:1—selah.  This Hebrew word, selah, has no absolute and definitive meaning.  Most Biblical scholars understand it to connote something that is valued, or can be measured against (such as in a comparison).  One Scripture that immediately jumps to mind talking about value and comparison is Proverbs 31:10.
A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman—who is he who can find her?
She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.
See, her worth (value) is being shown by comparison, i.e., ‘she is far more precious than jewels,’ and ‘her value is far above rubies or pearls.  We should consider her of much value because she is being compared to these costly gems.
There are quite a few—seventy plus—uses of this word selah in the Scriptures…and almost every one of them is in the Book of Psalms.  We are told to ‘consider the value’ of these things.    Here are but a few:
You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance.  Selah.  Psalm 32:7
In God we have boasted all day long, And we will give thanks to Your name forever.  Selah.  Psalm 44:8
He will send from heaven and save me;… Selah.  God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth.  Psalm 57:3
Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.  Selah.  Psalm 62:8
How blessed are those who dwell in Your house!  They are ever praising You.  Selah.  Psalm 84:4
In our selected verse for today, Psalm 67:1, we are ‘considering the value’ of God graciousness…His blessing.  The value of God’s grace…oh my!  It would seem to me to be un-measureable!  It would have great and incredible ‘value,’ don’t you think?  But we are told to consider the value of it…so let us do just that!
  • Grace saves us by faith.  (Ephesians 2:8)
  • In our weakness, grace is sufficient.  (2nd Corinthians 12:9)
  • Esther found grace and favor in the king’s eyes.  (Esther 2:16-17)
  • Jesus came and brought grace and truth.  (John 1:15-17)

 

These are just a very few examples…the Scriptures are filled with examples of God’s grace being given in many, many, many different ways.  What verse comes to your mind that communicates about God’s grace?  Would you share it with us?

* * * * *
Dear Lord, may we always be aware of Your blessings!   May the magnitude and the vastness of Your amazing grace always fill our hearts with praise and thankfulness!  Please help us to recognize Your grace and blessings; and tell others, Lord,  about the blessing of our great God!   We love You, Lord!
Amen.
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His Steadfast Love — A Promise

September 19, 2013 by

SeekingHimLogo

But the steadfast love of the Lord
is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him,
and His righteousness to children’s children,
to those who keep His covenant
and remember to do His commandments.
Psalms 103:17 and 18

Such a beautiful promise!  Perhaps words like these ‘…to children’s children’  particularly impact women’s hearts.  Does this promise resonate in your heart like mine?  I have one daughter…and by marriage to her…one son!  And through their love for one another—four grandchildren!  So ‘children’s children’ yes, that catches my eye…and my heart.  I pray every day (just like you!) for the Lord’s love and His righteousness and His blessings to be upon my children and grandchildren.  That they would always be under His protection and receiving His provision is very important to me.  So as I read this promise, I pray, ‘Please, Lord!  By Your grace, Lord!’

But whether you have children or not, the promise of His steadfast love is from everlasting to everlasting <FOREVER!> to every one who has the fear of the Lord.  We play a part in these promises coming to pass, y’know.  Many, many, many of God’s promises have a stipulation attached.  God’s people have something to do to receive the promises that He makes to them.  It is kind of like when I promise my grandchildren, “Okay now, when the playroom is cleaned up we are going to the library.”  I have promised…but they have something to do, too.

According to these verses, the steadfast, everlasting love of our Lord is on those who fear Him (so that’s one thing we need to do).  And His righteousness carries over to our children’s children who obey His commandments (another thing we have the responsibility to do).

God’s heart to bless and care for His people’s lives is incredible!  He always wants to do good for those who love Him.  And He is faithful!

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28

Do you remember the message that Moses gave to the Israelites after delivering God’s Ten Commandments  to them?   (Deuteronomy 5 and 6)

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home
and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.
Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9

So we teach all the children in our lives about loving God with their whole heart, soul, mind, and all their strength.  We help them to grow in their understanding of how great our God is, and to have a worshipful fear of His AWEsomeness.  We impress upon them the right way to ‘walk’ with God, and to love everyone around them.  We teach them about Jesus and all that God has made available through Him and how they, too, can make Him Lord of their lives.  And we—they and we—will be blessed with the promises of God!

* * * * *

Dear Lord, oh how much comfort it brings to our hearts to know of Your promises…not only to us but to our loved ones!  You are so very good to us!   We trust and have confidence knowing that You are faithful to do what You say You are going to do; please help us to remember we have our part to do also.  Our desire is to obey You, trust You, have godly fear…and love You.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

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Esther: Chapter 3:1-4

September 16, 2013 by

This week we are studying the 3rd Chapter of the Book of Esther.  Things were getting really serious!  Remember when Esther came and shared the story of God’s provision for her life with us?   If Esther were here sharing with us now, I think that she would be crying her beautiful heart out!  And this is why…

  • Uncle Mordecai is refusing to bow to  Haman.
  • This enraged Haman who decided that to kill Mordecai would be silly…why not destroy all of Mordecai’s people—the Jews.
  • Haman somehow has convinced Ahasuerus that the Jews are a threat and that they all should wiped out.
  • A date has been chosen for the annihilation of God’s people.
  • An edict has been issued, signed, and sealed with the king’s signet ring and sent round to all 127 provinces in the kingdom.
  • Mordecai and Esther’s people are to be wiped out of Ahasuerus’ entire kingdom…all this in Chapter 3!

– – – – – – – – –

Today in our study of Esther: the Beauty of Courageous Submission, Mrs. Schacht asks an important question:

“If Vashti was rebellious when she refused to submit to the King in chapter one, how then was it okay for Mordecai to refuse?  We can find a clue to that answer when we read Acts 5:27-29.  What do you deduct from the example of Peter and the apostles?” 

Have you considered her question yet?  How about we look deeper in detail at this record….   Whenever I read this chapter in the Book of Esther, I always think that Mordecai was so similar in heart and his actions to Jesus’ apostles.  He would not bow to any other than Almighty God; and they would not bow to any other than their Lord, Jesus.  Let’s look at the Book of Acts, Chapter 5.   Acts 5:18-41   Take a few minutes, if you would, and read through this incredible record; then come back here, ok?

We see this record opening with some of our Lord’s apostles being put in jail (verse 18).  One of these men was Peter.  Don’t you just love Peter?

  • He was a fisherman who cast down his nets when Jesus said, ‘Follow Me.’
  • He was one of Jesus’ closest companions
  • He was one of the three that Jesus took with Him to pray on the night He was arrested
  • He was a very passionate man
  • He was the one who lopped off the ear of the high priest’s servant in the garden of Gethsemane
  • He was also the one who denied being with the Lord three separate times during Jesus’ trial
  • He was also the one who heralded forth the truth about Jesus on the day of Pentecost

Peter, and the others, were committed to telling others about the Lord Jesus Christ.  They weren’t afraid.  They weren’t timid.  They didn’t hold back.  Now, it doesn’t appear that they were trying to be radical or revolutionary.  They just were NOT going to back down, close their mouths, and not speak.  Just Like Mordecai could NOT bow down to <hiss!> Haman <hiss!>….they just could NOT not speak!  Now the following, I think, is the ‘clue’ that Mrs. Schacht was referring to in her question.

But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison,
and taking them out he said,  “Go, stand and speak
to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.
Acts 5:19 and 20

They were directly following the command given to them by an angel sent to them by the Lord.  How about you?  If an angel brought a message to you from the Lord, would you hesitate to go and do it?  Not at all, I am sure!

As we read in the context of this record, upon being sprung from prison by the angel, they immediately went to the temple and began to speak.  Needless to say…they were confronted and accosted again.  When asked why they would continue to do so, here is what they responded.

But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross.  He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.  And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
Verses 29-32

I am sure I do not need to tell you that the officials (the Sanhedrin) were livid upon hearing their words.  But one them spoke up and suggested that they just let Peter and the others go…and see whether anything would come of it.  “…for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God”  (verses 38 and 39).

They went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Acts 5:41 and 42

So, do you have an answer to Mrs Schacht’s question?

* * * * *

Lord, You have given us so many examples throughout the Scriptures of Your people who have boldly stood for the TRUTH.  Help us, Lord, to have the same commitment, the same —the same love and devotion to You, and You alone.  We love You, Lord!

Amen.

Filed Under: Women's Ministry Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Stuffed Peppers

September 16, 2013 by

Here on Mondays on our At Home w/GCH blog we usually focus on recipes that are healthy but oh-so-yummy!  We have been making some very yummy dishes using in-season veggies; and this week will be our last one—Stuffed Peppers.  I actually consider this week’s recipe a nice bridge into the fall as it is such a comfort food dish!  Have you ever made Stuffed Peppers on the stovetop instead of in the oven?  That is how we are doing it this week.  Get yourself some nice firm large green bell peppers…maybe from the Farmers Market, and let’s get started.  Enjoy!

Stove Top Stuffed Peppers2013-09-11 20.06.03

Ingredients:
1 cup rice
1/2 tablespoon butter  2013-09-11 19.05.00
1 cup water
1 cup chicken broth

4 large green bell peppers
1# ground chicken (or turkey or beef)
1/2# raw chicken sausage
1 large egg
kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
3 (or more) tablespoons chopped garlic
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
Shredded cheese, or grated Parmesan (optional)

Directions:

  • In a small saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat.  Add the raw rice, and saute, stirring constantly for one minute.  Carefully add in the liquids and bring quickly to a boil.  Reduce the heat to very low, cover, and let cook (approximately 15 minutes) ‘til all liquid is absorbed.  Empty the cooked rice out onto a plate or pan, and allow to cool.
  • While the rice is cooking, take a large dutch oven (I used an 8 quart pan) and place your peppers in to make sure they fit sitting upright. Once you have the right sized pan, fill 3/4 with water, cover and bring to a boil.  Cut the lids from the peppers (perhaps save the lids to cut up into a salad) and clean them out.  When the water is boiling, put the peppers in for 5-7 minutes depending on how large they are to parboil them.  Carefully remove from the water, and drain upside down.
  • Empty the pot of water, and place back on stove over low heat.  Add the crushed tomatoes, the broth and the remaining 2 tablespoons chopped garlic; bring to a simmer.
  • Meantime, in a large bowl, break up the eggs and add the chopped garlic and the meat; generously season with the salt and pepper; mix thoroughly.  Stir in about half of the cooled rice (save the rest to serve alongside the stuffed peppers).
  • Now to fill the peppers: just before you fill the parboiled peppers, use a knife tip to poke a hole into each of the “bumps” on the pepper bottoms.  This will allow the sauce to ooze up into the peppers while simmering.  Scoop up some of the meat/rice mixture.  Fill them firmly but don’t really pack it down; if you do, it will be too dense when cooked.  Carefully ease the filled peppers–right side up–into the heated tomato sauce.  Take care to sit them up so they won’t fall over…spilling out the meat.
  • Using a large spoon or gravy ladle, scoop up some tomato sauce and pour over each of the filled peppers totally covering the meat.  Increase the heat so that the sauce begins to boil, place a lid on the pot and then reduce the heat to a simmer.  Every 10 minutes or so, again pour a little sauce over the top of each pepper, replacing the lid on the pot.  They should be done in 45 minutes or less, depending on their size.  The meat in the stuffed peppers should be firm when done.  I use a thermometer to verify that they have reached at least 160 degrees, just to be safe.
  • Oh, and add some of the leftover delicious tomato sauce to the rice you set aside; serve that along with the Stuffed Peppers!  Yummy!

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

God loves you!  ♥  (Don’t ever forget that!)

♥  coleen

Filed Under: At Home w/ GCH Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

My Help and My Deliverer

September 13, 2013 by

SeekingHimLogo

Let all those that seek and require You rejoice and be glad in You;
let such as love Your salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified!
[As for me] I am poor and needy, yet the Lord takes thought and plans for me.
You are my Help and my Deliverer. O my God, do not tarry!
Psalms 40:16 and 17

OK, please raise your hands up, everyone who has cried out to God like this….  OK, now hands up—raised in praise—everyone who has cried out to God like this KNOWING that He is your Help…He is your Deliverer…and that He will not tarry.  Oh, how we love to praise Him for His goodness, His grace, His help; yes?

There are days when we are feeling so very poor and needy…days when it takes effort, sometimes great effort, to continue to confess the truth that the Lord DOES take thought and DOES have plans for us.  God knows this; He knows we struggle.  He encourages and revives us with His promises.

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord,
thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil,
to give you hope in your final outcome.
Then you will call upon Me,
and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you.
Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity]
and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
I will be found by you, says the Lord…
Jeremiah 29:11-14

These are such sustaining promises made to you and me by our Faithful, Trustworthy God.  Have you ever considered memorizing God’s promises?  What an incredible weapon to have at your disposal—the Word(s) of God that He is faithful to bring to pass!  Either of these groups of verses that we have considered today would be wonderful to have at the ready in your memory…for those times when you are feeling poor and needy.

And so I ask you…

Do you seek Him and require Him?  Then rejoice and be glad in Him!

Do you love His salvation waiting expectantly for His return?  Then say, ‘The Lord be magnified!’

* * * * *

Oh, Lord, we totally and completely recognize our great need for You!  And we know, we absolutely know, that You are our Help and our Deliverer!  Thank You, Lord, for the comfort of these promises!  We rest in You!  Amen.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
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