The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools
spend whatever they get. Proverbs 21:20.
Like the ant the wise person socks away
some money for a rainy day…for the winter…for the future. That old lazy
grasshopper that enjoyed every day of summer in The Ant and Grasshopper Aesop’s tale was a beggar when the winter wind
and snow arrived. The ant represents the wise person…and the grasshopper
represents the fool. When you were growing up did you save every penny you
earned or did you blow it all on candy, gum and cheap toys? What do you do as
an adult—spend or save? I managed to save some along the way for a rainy
day…and it is a blustery day out there today. Ha ha. Seriously I don’t consider
myself especially wise, wealthy or living in luxury, but I’m not like the fool
and spend everything I get.
Taxes are taxes. It doesn’t matter if you are wise
and save for the tax day…or if you are foolish and spend the whole paycheck—even
before it arrives. Taxes still have to be paid. When confronted by the Jewish
teachers about paying taxes, Jesus said…"Well
then," He said, "give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to
God what belongs to God." Luke 20:25. Pay what is due to the US
Treasury…and give to God what belongs to Him. That time is upon us now—this year
it is actually due on April 18th…so you have the weekend to finish
up your taxes.
Prayer
~ Lord God, help us to be responsible and wise about the finances that You
provide to us. As it is written in Proverbs 30:8…“give me neither poverty nor
riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.” May all that I think, say and
do reflect Your wisdom and draw people to the Way the Truth and the Life…to
You, Jesus.
Friday’s
Feast at the King’s Table
It is time to plan and prepare for
Passover. Passover starts at sundown on Friday, April 22nd. One of
the key dishes for that Sedar is Charoseth that represents the mortar for
bricks that the Hebrew used as slaves in Egypt. Sweetness for the joy of the
redemption that God provided.
Charoseth
2 crisp
apples (1 sweet such as Gala and 1 tart such as Granny Smith), peeled and
roughly chopped
1 cup
walnuts
1 cup
raisins
½ cup
fresh orange juice
¼ cup
kosher red wine or grape juice
2 Tbsp honey
1 tsp
finely grated lemon
1 tsp cinnamon, or to taste
kosher salt
Heat the walnuts on
medium heat in a small sauce pan, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, 8 to
10 minutes. Let cool, then roughly chop.
Meanwhile, combine the
raisins and orange juice in a small saucepan; simmer over medium-low heat until
most of the liquid is absorbed, 5 to 7 minutes. Let cool, then stir in the wine
or juice, honey, lemon zest, cinnamon, and about ¼ teaspoon salt.
In a large bowl, combine the apples and walnuts with the
raisin mixture and toss to combine. Cover and let sit for at least 4 hours.
Serves 8 – makes 4 cups
Serve with matzah bread during the Seder
and enjoy it during the meal, if desired.
© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT)
unless otherwise noted.
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