Grace And Love Intertwined

Genesis 1:27,31 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. Read Genesis 1 and you'll notice after each act of creation it says God saw what He made and it was good.  But after creating the first humans, behold, it was very good (Genesis 1:31).  This means, not only are we created in His image (Genesis 1:27), but it was very good when He created us. Through Him, we have value and worth.  He sees our value and worth and we should see the same in ourselves and others. A point to ponder in the new year: it was very good when He created us.  Happy New Year!

For our Gospel Wednesdays, we'll be in the Gospels. Starting with Matthew. Then Mark. Then Luke. One chapter a day.  The Genealogy of Jesus Christ The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah

Got this recipe from a Facebook friend. 

An update to Monday's post. Candied carrots.  Ingredients  2 cans sliced carrots, drained  1 stick butter 1 cup sugar 1 tsp salt Directions  Drain canned carrots in strainer. While there draining, melt butter in pot. Then add the carrots, stir. Add sugar, and 1 tap salt. Let carrots cook, stirring occasionally until they caramelize.  (You can add a little more sugar if the carrots are not sweet enough).  Turn off. Let cool. Enjoy.  Got the recipe wrong. My brother gave me the correct measurements for the ingredients.  Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Luke 1:5-2:21 physician and a colleague of Paul, probably wrote this account in the early 60s a.d. He also wrote Acts. Dedication to Theophilus Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. Birth of John the Baptist Foretold In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. Now while he wa

Luke 1:70-71 as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemies.  When I read this Scripture from my Advent devotional I was remembering a line from an old hymn, "So shall I be saved from my enemies".  Didn't remember the title of the hymn so looked up the line "So shall I be saved from my enemies" online. Found the title of the hymn which is "I Will Call Upon the Lord".  Petra - I Will Call Upon The Lord Lyrics | MetroLyrics I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised So shall I be saved from my enemies, oh yeah I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised So shall I be saved from my enemies The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock And let the God of my salvation be exalted The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock And let the God of my salvation be exalted I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised So shall I be saved from my enemies The Lord live

Candied carrots  Got this simple recipe from my pastor's wife.  Ingredients  Canned carrots Sugar (as much as needed) Butter (as much as needed) Directions  Put all in ingredients in pot. Let boil on stove top. Once boiling turn off. Let it cool off. Then enjoy!

Luke 1:54-55 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” These passage of Scripture says God helped his servant Israel.  He had mercy upon His people. He remembered them.  This passage of Scripture is for all of us. God never forgets us. Always keeps His promises. He bestowed upon us great mercy and love by sending His own Son to be the sacrifice for our sins.  Let's remember that this Christmas season. 

Luke 1:46-55 Mary's Song of Praise: The Magnificat And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” After receiving the news that she would bear a son, Mary offered a song of praise to God. Why? Because she had found favor with God. And was going to carry i

Over-the-Top ‘Munchies’ Cookies Are a Late Night Dream The charity Cookies for Kids’ Cancer proves that cookies can indeed be a force for good. On Saturday, Dec. 5, the nonprofit will rally several talented pastry chefs for its “Be a Good Cookie Family Fun Day,” co-hosted by Milk Bar’s Christina Tosi. All proceeds from the event will go to support children’s cancer research. Below, participating baker Samantha Eichenberg of The Dessertist shares the recipe for her over-the-top “munchies” cookies, which are perfect for a late night nosh. Sweet Munchies Cookie By Samantha Eichenberg of The Dessertist 10 caramel candies ½ pound unsalted butter (2 sticks) 1 cup brown sugar ½ cup granulated sugar 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups Oreos, roughly chopped ½ cup white chocolate chips ½ cup milk chocolate chips ½ cup dark chocolate chips See What Maytag® Appliances Look Like In Your Home Unwra

Luke 1:5-38 Luke 1:5-38 Birth of John the Baptist Foretold In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a

Luke 1:14-17 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” John went before Jesus to procliam He was the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).  And, I also go before Jesus when I spread the Gospel through social media and through talking to my friends one on one.  Matthew 28:19-20 therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you alwa

This simple recipe I got from my Mom who got it from a coworker. All you need is milk, 2 eggs (to help the batter stick) and hot Cheetos. The crunchy kind. Not the soft. And oil for frying.  Put milk in one bowl. Crack eggs in milk bowl. Stir the milk and eggs together.  In another bowl have your finely crushed hot Cheetos. Put chicken in milk egg wash. Then coat in finely crushed hot Cheetos batter. Then fry the chicken in vegetable oil, corn oil. Whatever oil you have around the house.  Cook until the chicken is floating and darkish red. Then put a pan with paper towels to drain excess oil.  It's delicious. My family and I have tried it. And it's not spicy either. This is a good recipe I'll be sharing with my church. 

Matthew 1:23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Matthew 1:23 says Jesus is Immanuel, God with us. Jesus, God in the flesh, who was born to a virgin. Took on human flesh. Left His home in glory to be the sacrifice for our sins.  Isaiah 7:14

We'll focus on Advent readings all leading up to Christmas. Advent means arrival, appearance. We anticipate His birth which has already happened. We anticipate His return which is yet to happen.  Matthew 1 The Genealogy of Jesus Christ The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, and Asaph the father o

Bean Taco Casserole Recipe : Food Network Kitchen : Food Network Ingredients 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for greasing dish 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 3 tablespoons chili powder 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon dried oregano Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 medium onion, finely diced 4 cloves garlic, minced One 15-ounce can pinto beans, strained and rinsed 2 cups jarred tomato salsa, plus more for serving 6 cups yellow corn tortilla chips (about 5 ounces), plus more for serving 3 cups shredded Cheddar and Monterey jack blend Suggested toppings: 1 cup sour cream, stirred well for easy dolloping 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce 2 plum tomatoes, diced 1/2 avocado, diced 1/4 cup pickled jalapenos, chopped Directions Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish. Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the beef and sprinkle with t

Psalm 139 Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bri

Happy Thanksgiving, dear readers.  Spend time with family and friends, enjoy the good food and most of all, give God thanks every day. Not just on Thanksgiving.  James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 

Psalm 136 His Steadfast Love Endures Forever Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who spread out the earth above the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever; the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever; the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, for his steadfast love endures forever; and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures forever; with a strong hand and an