Jesus is
telling us to be optimistic—take courage—be positive. We need to listen to that
optimism and not be pessimistic about the future. In the verse just before this
Jesus was telling His disciples that they would be scattered—and they were. It
is tempting to take verses out of context. The message that Jesus is giving His
disciples applies to us, too. Take courage. Don’t be discouraged—don’t be
pessimistic. Trust in Him. He has overcome the world.
Training Tip – Share this verse today with your family. Discuss:
peace, tribulation, and courage. Pray with them that they would have courage as
they face the challenges in their lives—and that they would feel the peace of
Jesus.
Lord, You know the trouble I face today…and
tomorrow. Help me to have courage to accept the problems that I can’t change,
the courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. Help
me to help my children and grandchildren to face the challenges in their lives,
too. Help us all to rely on You—for I trust that You do have all the answers
and the power to change things. Thanks for being part of our lives—for Your
optimistic guidance and encouragement.
Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table
My
grandmother, on my father’s side of the family, faced a lot of tribulations.
She came from Odessa, Russia, alone at the age of 14, working basically as an
indentured slave to pay off her transportation costs when her money was stolen
as she slept in the boat on the way to America. She was courageous. She relied
on the Lord for her strength. When she met and married my grandfather they had
six children, so she was always busy cooking, baking, canning, cleaning, sewing,
quilting or doing her beautiful crochet handiwork. She also made the most
wonderful soft ginger cookies. Her cookie jar was always be filled with them…or
with pfeffernusse during Christmas time. Thinking about those cookies, I can
just smell the sweet gingery aroma as I walk in the back door of her home.
Here’s a family recipe that is very much like her’s.
Honey Cookies
1 c.
butter
2 c.
sugar
1 c.
honey
1 tsp
soda
1 c.
hot water
1 tsp
vanilla
1 tsp
salt
2 tsp
baking powder
2 tsp
ginger
7 c.
flour
Beat
the butter and sugar until creamy. Add honey and vanilla. Mix soda with hot
water and stir into sugar mixture. Add salt, baking powder, ginger and enough
flour to make a dough easy to handle.
Roll in balls and flatten, or roll flat and cut with cookie cutters.
Bake at 350° for 7-10 minutes.
Store in a sealed cookie jar and add a slice of apple if they begin to get
stiff.
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
© 2013 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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