The
Israelites continued to go in a cycle where they feared and honored God;
followed by a time when they rejected God and went their own way; and then
repented and turned back to God. During this time of the scripture passage for
today, they had forsaken the Lord—turned against Him. He sent His prophets to
His people to bring them back—but they wouldn’t listen. Here Zechariah tells
them that God will forsake them, since they have forsaken Him. Do we ever treat
God that way? Forsaking Him? Rejecting, disowning, leaving or just giving up on
Him? How about when our prayers aren’t answered the way we want? Or we face a
problem, a turmoil, or traumatic situation in which we don’t feel God is
helping us? Do we remember God’s promise that He will never leave us or forsake
us? "Be strong and courageous, do
not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes
with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." ... "The LORD is the
one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake
you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:6, 8. Also in Hebrews
13:5. We don’t have to have a prophet speak to us…God’s word is still active
and alive to guide, direct and teach us. Listen to Him. It is the Holy Spirit
speaking to you, just as He spoke to Zechariah.
Several
years ago when my husband, Jerry, and I visited Israel we bought rings—bands
inscribed with Hebrew scripture that was one of my favorite verses, as quoted
above…"I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR
WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU." Hebrews 13:5. That was a promise from God
that I had claimed as my own more than twenty years ago. As we put on these
bands, Jerry and I promised each other that we would never leave or forsake
each other. During a time of introspection after we returned home, I promised
God that I would never leave or forsake Him. How could I feel otherwise? He is
so good to me.
Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, guide and direct me, my family
and friends that we would seek to hear Your voice and be obedient to what we
hear. May we never leave or forsake You.
Friday’s Feast at the
King’s Table
Still cold
outside—time for more soup. Here’s an easy tortilla soup recipe that we had
last night.
Quick & Easy Tortilla Soup
2 chicken
breasts. shredded – cook in about 2 cups salsa
1 box chicken
broth (Southwestern style, if available)
1 can black
beans, rinsed
1 can whole kernel
corn (optional)
1 can diced
tomatoes
½ fresh red
pepper, diced
½ fresh
green pepper, diced
1 small zucchini,
diced
1-2 cups
water
½ lime,
juiced
1 bag
tortilla corn chips
Sour cream,
to garnish
Grated cheddar
or Mexican blend cheese, to garnish
Guacamole,
to garnish
Chopped green
onion, to garnish if desired
Cook
chicken, in salsa, and shred when done. Can use precooked or leftover chicken,
if desired. Just add some salsa for flavor. Add water, chicken broth, black
beans, corn (if desired), zucchini, peppers and bring to a boil. Simmer about
15-20 minutes, or cook in the slow cooker on high for 1-2 hours or on medium
for 3-4 hours. Add lime juice when ready to serve. Place a few tortilla chips
in each person’s bowl, add soup. Top with sour cream, graded cheese, guacamole,
and/or green onions. Serves 6. Enjoy with additional chips and salsa, or a
tossed salad topped with guacamole, sour cream and salsa.
©
2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
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