Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples
in a silver basket. To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring
or other gold jewelry. Proverbs 25:11-12
To
one who listens…Listen up. Listen. Hear what is being said. Can you bear to
hear what is said to you? Is someone being critical—can you take it? Look
again…the verse says “valid criticism.” So is “valid criticism” the truth? Once
when Jesus was talking to some of His followers who believed in Him, He said…
And you will know the
truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32. Who is the truth? Jesus told him (Thomas), "I am the way, the truth, and the
life. No one can come to the Father except through me". John 14:6. Jesus is the truth that will set us free and the Holy Spirit is
the one who convicts. And when He
(the Holy Spirit or Advocate) comes, He
will convict the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the
coming judgment. John 16:8. For me, I judge myself more critically than
others. I think that is the way it is for most people. We’re our own worst
critics.
When
the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak
on His own but will tell you what He has heard. He will tell you about the
future. John 16:13. If you listen to constructive criticism, you
will be at home among the wise. Proverbs 15:31. If you listen…and it is an
honest analysis that gives you advice, with truth and compassion, then it will
be like a golden apple—providing nourishment to your soul and freeing you from
the sin, the mistakes about which the Holy Spirit is convicting you. Good, true
criticism is worthwhile. Listen. If it is from God, it will make you wise.
Prayer
~ Lord Jesus, You are the way, the truth and the life. I’ll listen to what You
say through the Holy Spirit and Your written word. I humbly acknowledge that Your
words of advice are convicting, but welcome. I want to live to please You in
all that I think, say and do.
Friday’s
Feast at the King’s Table
Apples are plentiful now…including golden
apples. An apple a day will keep the doctor away…or keep you away from the
doctor. There are so many good nutrients in apples—including in the skin—so eat
the whole thing. They contain many vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants
which fight free radicals that cause cancer, and phytonutrients that help lower
cholesterol. Results of eating apples –less heart disease lower chance of
cancer, and a happy, healthy digestive system from all that fiber. Don’t eat
the seeds—but it might be fun to try to plant them and grow more trees! Save
seeds from a couple of different apples. Keep them moist in paper towels for
about eight weeks in the refrigerator. Then plant them in pots indoors, but
don’t let the seedlings dry out. When they get large enough not to get
destroyed, plant them outdoors. It may take a few years, but what are you going
to be doing in a few years with that time anyway?! For now try to incorporate
eating an apple every day at breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack time.
Apple
and Oatmeal with Chia Seeds
1 cup steel cut or old-fashioned oats (not
quick cook oats)
5 Tbsp dry chia seeds
2 cups milk (coconut or regular milk)
1 Tbsp honey (or less to taste)
1 apple, finely chopped
2 Tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes, optional
Soak oats and chia seeds overnight in milk.
In the morning, cook the mixture for five minutes, until desired consistency.
Stir in honey and apples, then top with coconut, if desired. Serves 3 or 4,
depending on everyone’s appetite.
Welcome Baby Andrew…Blessings~
© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT)
unless otherwise noted.
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