Then the word of the LORD came to Zechariah
saying, "Thus has the LORD of hosts said, 'Dispense true justice and
practice kindness and compassion each to his brother; and do not oppress the
widow or the orphan, the stranger or the poor; and do not devise evil in your
hearts against one another.' But they refused to pay attention and turned a
stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears from hearing. They made their hearts
like flint so that they could not hear the law and the words which the LORD of
hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets; therefore great wrath
came from the LORD of hosts. And just as He called and they would not listen,
so they called and I would not listen," says the LORD of hosts; "but
I scattered them with a storm wind among all the nations whom they have not
known. Thus the land is desolated behind them so that no one went back and
forth, for they made the pleasant land desolate." Zechariah 7:8-14
 |
| Are you stubborn like a donkey? |
Stubborn hearts—rejecting the wise and kind
words of guidance that the Holy Spirit was giving the Israelites. Just like any
loving father teaching his children: be kind—play nice. But the stubborn little
brats said, “No! I want to do it my way.”
Hadn’t they heard of the Golden Rule? Hardening their hearts towards the Lord
was not a wise thing. How often do we do that? Sometimes just a little
stiffness. I want to do my own thing…my own way. Just like a two year old. Step
back. Deep breath. Focus on the Lord. What do you hear Him saying to you? Justice
, kindness, compassion? How will you respond? Like the Israelites—who
refused to listen—or are your choices turning your heart towards God? If we
don’t choose God’s ways will our land become desolate?
Prayer
~ Holy Spirit, please bless and guide us that we would make good decisions that
would result in justice, kindness and compassion for those around us.
Daily
Bible Reading – Leviticus 11-13
Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table
Healthy Foods Menu
Since February
is National Heart Month, it is a good time to consider eating good foods and
exercising. Exercise at least 20 minutes every day and then feast on the bounty
God has provided for us. Here are some healthy heart foods to consider in your
menu planning:
·
Chick peas –
hummus, minestrone soup
·
Sardines and
salmon – high in omega 3’s
·
Leafy greens
– contain magnesium essential to a healthy heart – includes spinach, kale,
Swiss chard, broccoli, romaine lettuce
·
Wine – adults
only, but do serve your kiddos concord grape juice, no sugar added
·
Milk – even
almond or coconut milk – high in calcium and Vitamin D
·
Almonds
·
Oats
·
Fresh fruits
– in the colors of the rainbow
What can you
do with these food items? How about a spinach salad with salmon, almonds, chick
peas and a wine and olive oil dressing? A little oatmeal with fresh
blueberries, cinnamon, honey, and milk for dessert rounds out the food list.
And you thought there couldn’t be just one dish/meal that would have all these
foods! So choose some healthy foods and feast on them, not just today or during
February, but include good fresh foods at every meal all year around. Shop the
outside aisles of your supermarket—that’s where the fresh foods are located.
Enjoy a Banquet at the King’s Table.
©
2018 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All
scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
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