Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. Ps 119:5-6

I’m excited at the lesson in these two verses.

It reminds me of Matt 26:41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

I imagine most of us from time to time have experienced the willing spirit and the weak body. This verse speaks to me that my ways won’t be directed without God. I can’t be unstable in my ways, or feed two hearts. I can’t have one heart for God and one for the world. If so I would find myself going around in circles, unfocused and without peace and if I remained straddling the fence, my heart for God stands a big chance of becoming calloused, until eventually, I could find myself off the fence and back in the world.

It speaks too that I can’t compare my life with his commands if I’m not reading my bible and hearing God’s voice in His Word. I must love Him more and when I do, I will not be ashamed if I don’t allow sin to harden my heart.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Phil 3:12-13

I hope you all have a blessed weekend. Lord willing, I will be back on Monday.

While reading in Proverbs this morning this is where my thoughts took me.

I drink a lot of water and in hot weather I can easily drink two quarts or more daily. I like water and I also understand it is important to me physically. From my reading this morning I see watering is also important to me spiritually.

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Prov 11:25   

 People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell. Prov 11:26

We are encouraged to be generous, to give freely. When we have a true concern for others and a generous attitude, and when we give freely then we are prospered as well. The principle is when we help others we ourselves profit, if our heart is right and our motives are pure.

We can become pretty selfish with our ‘things’, the very things God has given us and allowed us to acquire. Loving our neighbor as our self isn’t always the easiest thing to do, yet it is what God commands us to do. Each of us has the ability to water.

The following verses contrast those who give freely and those who are tightfisted.

One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. Prov 13:7

He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done. Prov 19:17

If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered. Prov 21:13

A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. Prov 22:9

Whatever circumstances we give, whether individually or collective, consider the following verses… Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.  I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,” says the Lord Almighty.  ”Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty. Mal 3:10-12

I love that verse, it’s so full of promise and loving-kindness and we know Gods word is always true.

We went out for our walk this morning and after we got home I was going to sit down and write my blog. My sweet husband had other plans. We drove out to Karla’s house. Larry thought he might get some chicken wire if she had any. I stayed on the porch and took pictures and looked at a book while they were looking at things in the barn. Then we visited for a while and we left to go to Owasso.

Yesterday among the junk mail was a flyer from a car dealership in Owasso. It had a place to scratch off some numbers and a key glued to the flyer. I usually don’t even look at the junk mail; I just toss it in the garbage. I guess this time it stayed on the counter too long.  Larry must have had a moment of boredom because he scratched the numbers off and it said “WINNER”. He showed it to me and I just laughed and said “yeah right”. He left it on the counter.

Later, I saw it and had my own moment of boredom or curiosity. Four prizes were being offered for the winning number. First prize was a 2010 Camero. Second prize was a 2009 ATV. Third prize was up to $500.00 in gold coins and Fourth Prize was $1000.00 I decided to call the toll free number to verify the winning confirmation code. The lady I spoke with asked for some information from the flyer and my name and phone number. She said I was a winner. I specifically asked if that meant I had won one of the four prizes listed. She said “yes”. Next I asked her if we had to purchase anything, I was told that we didn’t have to purchase anything and there was no obligation and that I was definitely a winner.

Well….I’m a skeptic about these things, anyway I told Larry I had called and since he had to go to Lowe’s I told him that we were supposed to be at the dealership at noon. He rolled his eyes and we both laughed. We even talked about there being a gimmick or a ‘catch’ of some sort and I remember thinking to myself; if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

After all, still fresh in my mind are the three “Free” stamp catalogs I ordered for Larry last week from the Internet. Each one arrived in a matter of days and each one had an introductory package of stamps with an invoice if he decided to keep the stamps. Otherwise we had to send them back, which I did.

Sorry for the digression. We were greeted at the dealership by a nice young man. He had us spin a wheel (like Wheel of Fortune) as soon as we arrived. We could tell right off that his purpose was to sell us a vehicle ( I know, you are saying we should have figured that out before we ever left home) and we told him right up front that we were not in the market for a new vehicle, that we only came to claim our prize. As I said he was very nice, not too pushy and we visited for two hours, and even looked at a very nice 2009 Toyota Pickup. He disappeared for a few minutes and his manager came and “worked” on us for about ten minutes. Practically promised us the moon, even as we kept insisting we were not in the market to purchase a vehicle. Both men really were very nice and we had a nice visit, although I found the whole thing to be somewhat amusing.

We finally collected our prize and it was gold coins. Just one problem, instead of $500.00 in gold coins it was only $3.00 in gold coins. Yes…the wording was “up too” and the odds were 1,000,000.00 to one. Oh… and when I asked about the key glued to the flyer, he pulled it off and broke it! He then explained that it cost them a set amount to have each key made and that from past experience people tend to break them off in the ignition, so you don’t actually get to try and start the car, it’s all in the confirmation number.

We came home with our three gold coins and a flyer to give any of our friends interested in getting a great deal on a new or used car and of course if you do….well we get $500.00 for the reference.

Now I hope y’all find this little story amusing and it’s okay if you are laughing with me, just not at me. The phrase “there’s a sucker born every minute” seems to keep going through my mind this afternoon. Yes friends, even though I’m a bit of a skeptic, I’m also one of the gullible ones.

Anyone in the market for a new car? Just give me a holler!

I have been thinking a lot about intercessory prayer. There are many examples of it in scripture. Notice the different kinds of prayers mentioned in the text of 1 Tim 2:1-3 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Genesis 18:23,33 shows Abraham interceding on behalf of Sodom.

Ex 15:22-25 Moses interceded for the Israelites while they were in the Desert. After traveling for three days without finding water, they came to Marah, yet they couldn’t drink its water because it was bitter. The people complained to Moses asking what they were to drink and Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood * which he threw into the water and the water became sweet. *Some translations say tree, others say log. NIV is wood.

Ex 8:28 When Pharaoh grew weary of the plagues he asked Moses to intercede for him. He offered compromises by saying that the people could worship their God as long as they stayed in Egypt. Moses refused by replying- “That would not be right. The sacrifices we offer the Lord our God would be detestable to the Egyptians. And if we offer sacrifices that are detestable in their eyes, will they not stone us?  We must take a three-day journey into the desert to offer sacrifices to the Lord our God, as he commands us.” Pharaoh agreed and said, “I will let you go to offer sacrifices to the Lord your God in the desert, but you must not go very far. Of course we know he hardened his heart again and would not let them go once the plagues were removed.

Continuing sinfulness can get in the way of intercession. 2 Cor 6:14-16 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

Jeremiah 7:16-20 “Your prayers will do them no good” At least three times. God instructed Jeremiah not to pray for the people (Jer 7:16; 11:14; 14:11).  As noted above, God had allowed Abraham to pray for Sodom (Gen 18:23-33), and He had listened when Moses interceded for Israel, but God would not allow Jeremiah to intercede for the kingdom of Judah because the people were too far gone in their sins. That to me is scary!

The priests in the Old Testament interceded for the people with sacrifices and prayers. Now Christ is the one who intercedes for us. Luke 22:32 gives an example of Christ interceding for Peter. Jesus said Satan wanted to sift Peter like wheat, and Jesus prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail. We know that Peter denied Jesus three times, yet Jesus mentions in the Luke passage “And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”  I love that!! We know Peter did fall, but he didn’t stay in that condition. We know he wept bitterly after he denied Jesus three times, yet Jesus knew hew would be able to strengthen his brothers from his own experience.

Sin is never going to quit knocking at our door as long as we are alive in this fleshly body. Praise God though, Christ still intercedes for us from heaven. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Heb 7:25

If we are to follow example, I’m wondering if we shouldn’t always live interceding for others.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. Rom 8:26-27

I have scarcely touched on the subject of intercessory prayer. I can tell you it is a captivating subject and one I plan on looking into much deeper.

I pray I will get to the point that I can say the following…..As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. 1 Sam 12:23

2 cups uncooked rice
6 T. shortening
1 large onion-chopped
2 cloves garlic-minced
1 tsp. Cumin (or more depending on taste)
1 28-oz. Can crushed peeled tomatoes, or 2-15 oz. Cans stewed tomatoes, pureed
4-6 cups chicken broth
1 jalapeño or 2- seranno’s, whole

Brown rice lightly in shortening over med-high heat, add onion, garlic and tomatoes. Cook 2 or 3 minutes or until lightly browned. Add 3 cups chicken stock and chilies. Cover and simmer over medium heat for 25-30 minutes. Add more stock if necessary to cook the rice, however there should be no liquid remaining when rice is done.

Enjoy Monday’s recipe. This is a great side dish with Mexican Food and leftovers make yummy burritos.

See you tomorrow!

Okay….here’s the deal. Well really there is no deal. For some reason I’m just not in the mood to write and I apologize. I may take a few days off.

My daughter Annette is out of the hospital and doing better. She is still on oxygen and probably will be for a while.

Larry and I have been walking in the mornings and it’s hot out there! I have lost 7 pounds since I started in early July. Not earth shaking, but I’m shaking less earth with the loss. :)  So for that I’m encouraged. Some days are harder than others, but I’m still determined and God is good to me. When I’m feeling really weak the Spirit which dwells in me brings encouraging scriptures to my mind.

Mom and I played Scrabble on Monday and I won the ‘crown’ back. I won three and she won one. My high score was 423. We do love our Scrabble.

Larry mowed yesterday and the grounds look beautiful. He really is a master gardener.

Many people have been on our prayer list and we are seeing answered prayers all around us and we are most thankful.

I will return soon, until then…God be with you!

Have you ever poured yourself a big glass your favorite beverage and dropped it or knocked over? Most of us have and we have witnessed some pretty big messes. A glass of milk goes a long way on a kitchen floor.

As I was reading in Romans 5 this morning about how we have been justified through faith and how we now have peace with God I just sat there as if I am reading this for the first time; a “wow” moment! And I’m looking at a different kind of Pouring Out.

 We are no longer his enemy, we are now his friend. We also rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. The NLT says Christ has brought us into this place of underserved privilege, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. The text continues on about also having joy in our sufferings, which produces perseverance, then character then hope.

Next I read that hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. That is one pouring out that I don’t want to clean up.

Spilled milk really isn’t worth crying over. It’s an experience that gives us hope, a lesson learned on being more careful. Same way with our sufferings, (whatever they may be) hopefully they leave us stronger and happier.

God showed His love at the cross when Christ died for those who were His enemies. Paul’s argument is this: if God did all that for us while we were His enemies, how much more will He do for us now that we are His children! We are saved by Christ’s death (v. 9), but we are also saved by His life.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Rom 5:1-5

His love for us continues to dwell in us!  To be poured out.

This is a great recipe to start your week with. These scones are great for brunch. Enjoy them with a fresh cup of coffee, hot tea or milk.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups all purpose flour
10 teaspoons sugar, divided
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup cold butter
1 cup dried cranberries
¼ cup orange juice
¼ cup half-and-half cream
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk

 GLAZE
½ cup confectioners ‘sugar
1 tablespoon orange juice

 ORANGE BUTTER
½ cup butter, softened
2 to 2 tablespoons orange marmalade

DIRECTIONS: In a bowl, combine flour, 7 teaspoons sugar, orange peel, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs; set aside. In a small bowl, combine cranberries, orange juice, cream and egg. Add to flour mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.

On a floured surface, gently knead 6-8 times. Pat dough into an 8-in. circle. Cut into 10 wedges. Separate wedges and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Brush with milk; sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake at 400° for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to a wire rack.

Combine glaze ingredients if desired; drizzle over scones. Combine orange butter ingredients; serve with warm scones. Yield: 10 scones.