By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may
have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in
this world. 1 John 4:17
Long ago…well
forty years was a long time ago…I thought that Jesus would rapture us all
during my lifetime! That may still happen, but there were a lot of possibly
false teaching in the early 1970’s that focused on Christ’s eminent return. It
didn’t happen then and hasn’t happened yet. God’s timing is not our timing. But
do be ready for as it says in 1 Corinthians 15:52…in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the
trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be
changed. I still find that incredibly exciting…in the twinkling of an eye
we will be changed…and go to stand at the throne of God. Read Matthew 24 for
more insight from the Lord about His return. A couple of verses focus on being
ready…Therefore be on the alert, for you
do not know which day your Lord is coming. ... For this reason you also must be
ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will. Matthew
24:42, 44. Be ready. What does that
mean? Physically it won’t make much difference—our bodies will be
changed—hurrah! Spiritually being ready means to be in constant prayer—prayed
up so that there is nothing that you haven’t talked to the Lord about…sins or
just attitudes. Are you ready?
Training Tip – Pretend with your children that you are going to go
on a trip. Ask them what they should pack or do to get ready to go? Pack up a
bag and then go from one room of your house to another room and pretend that is
your destination. Then unpack your bags. Did you forget anything? How about
toothbrushes? Those are essential no matter where you are. Make a list of
things of those forgotten things and remind your kids that next time you go on
a trip, check the checklist!
Briefly tell your
family about Jesus coming back and how He wants us to be ready. What should
they do to be ready for a trip with Jesus?
Lord – Help us confidently prepare for life everyday
that we may share Your love with others…and help us to be prepared for Your
return.
Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table
Name some
foods that begin with the letter B: bananas, beets, bratwurst, broccoli, and
black beans. Which do you think would be my one-year old granddaughter’s favorite
food? Black beans!
Not everyone
knows how to cook black beans from scratch. Most of us just open a can, rinse, heat
and serve.
Take 1 cup of
black beans, sort and rinse them. The dried beans could have little rocks in
them or broken beans. Use only the whole beans. Rinse them well and then cover
them with water and soak them overnight. If it is warm in your home, place them
in the refrigerator to avoid fermentation. Then drain and add 4 cups of water
in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook on low heat for about 2 hours or
until the beans are soft. You may add about 1 tablespoon oil and some salt to
the water if desired. More water may need to be added during the cooking time
if the water level gets low as the beans absorb the water, or it is evaporated
in the process. These beans are high in protein, fiber, iron, manganese and an antioxidant called
anthocyanins. They can be
used in salads, chili, stews, casseroles…or as Lydia love them—eatting them just
plain. Enjoy them soon!
Happy 1st Birthday, Lydia!
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
© 2013 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment