Service to the Lord

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. 1 Timothy 1:12-15

 

Have you ever been willing to serve the Lord in some aspect of ministry and not been “accepted” by those in charge? It is really awkward. Once I was willing to do an activity for a children’s program…but they had their own agenda and my activity didn’t fit with their program. That’s OK. They just didn’t need my help—I moved on to help in another area. Then another time I was willing to facilitate a parenting class—but it wasn’t using the book that I was suggesting so they didn’t need my service. OK. So I’m not needed again. What are these experiences telling me? That Jesus doesn’t need my service…or that these individuals and their programs don’t need the particular gifts or skills that Jesus has provided to the body of Christ within me? How do you respond when you are willing to serve…and have nowhere to give of your time or talents?  

 

Like Paul, I recognize that I am a sinner. We all are. … for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… Romans 3:23. Everyone has sinned. It is by the mercy of God that we are forgiven by the death of Jesus—the shedding of His blood on the cross. We are forgiven and accepted by God. He even accepts our service—our willingness to do things for Him. Feed the hungry. Provide clothes. Visit those who are lonely. That is reasonable service. Do it as unto the Lord. 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.' Matthew 25:31-40.

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, show me how and where I can serve You. I can always serve others by interceding for them in prayer. It is my joy to serve You, God.

 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

What is your favorite holiday recipe, meal or treat? Let me know what it is...and if I can post your recipe on this page to share with other readers. Let the holiday cooking and baking begin!
Blessings~
Looking ahead to the holidays. We’re going to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas early with some of our family this year—so I want to make it special. We’re decorating a small Christmas tree and planning a special meal. I want to bake my German Grandma’s Pfeffernusse cookies. Just the smell of them makes me feel like Christmas is coming. It was a treat that Grandma started making right after Thanksgiving and we had to wait a couple of weeks while they “aged” before she served them. The cookie jar was always full—and it was a special treat to go to Grandma and Grandad’s house during Christmas just for those cookies. I want my grandchildren to remember this fun time of holidays together, too.

 

Pfeffernusse Cookies – German Pepper Cookies for Christmas

1 cup molasses

1 cup honey

1½ cup white sugar

1 cup strong black coffee (room temperature)

3 eggs

3 teaspoons baking soda

9 cups flour

1 teaspoon allspice

2 teaspoons anise extract

1 teaspoons ground cardamom

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup confectioners' sugar for dusting

 

Stir together the molasses, honey, coffee and sugar. Stir in the eggs. Combine the flour, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, anise, cinnamon, baking soda, pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Add the molasses mixture and stir until thoroughly combined. Add additional flour if necessary for the dough to be stiff. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

 

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Butter your hands and roll the dough into acorn-sized balls. Arrange on baking sheets, spacing at least 1 inch apart. Bake 10 to 15 minutes. Move to a rack to cool. Dust cooled cookies with confectioners' sugar. Store in a covered container for at least a couple of weeks—to age them—before eating. This will make about 15 dozen cookies.

What is your favorite holiday recipe, meal or treat? Let me know what it is...and if I can post your recipe on this page to share with other readers. Let the holiday cooking and baking begin!
Blessings~

 

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm