Do You Want to Be Known as Good or Evil?

Meditate.

"To what can I compare the people of this generation?" Jesus asked. "How can I describe them? They are like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, 'We played wedding songs, and you didn't dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn't weep.' For John the Baptist didn't spend his time eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, 'He's possessed by a demon.' The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, 'He's a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!' But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it." Luke 7:31-35

 

Is our generation any different? How would Jesus describe us? Are we like those children playing games? Are we complaining? Complacent? Distracted? Self-centered? Just focused on being entertained or on the current political situation. We should be fans…but fans who are fanatical about Jesus—about being His disciples and going out to spread His word. Living our best to show how Jesus changes our life.

The Pharisees thought Jesus was a friend of tax collectors and other sinners. Just because He spent time with those types of people He was judged to be like them. Who do people think of as your “friends” and are you considered like them? Would you consider becoming a friend to someone thought to be a cheat…as the tax collectors were judged? How about being a friend to sinners…or homeless? Could you do that? What would God think of you if you reached out to His children who are less fortunate than you? 

We are known by our friends. People judge us…right or wrong…with whom we keep company. We become like those we “hang out” with. Hasn’t that always been the warning…“Be careful who you become friends with?” Wise people choose wise friends—or we can assume they win “wise friends” and conversely, those with wild friends will be “wild” as described in Proverbs…

The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends. Proverbs 11:30

Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents. Proverbs 28:7

Do you want to be known as “good” or “evil?”

Dear friend, don't let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God's children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God. 3 John 1:11

Prayer ~ Lord, I daily search my heart...and repent of my thoughts, words and actions that are not pleasing to You. It is appropriate to seek you...and live to please You during this Advent season in preparation to forever being with You. Protect those in Israel—may they come to know You, Jesus, as their Messiah. Give them Your peace and joy. 

Verse of Salvation ~ But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "God is great!" Psalm 70:4

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Calories count…but I don’t like to count them. I just prefer to control my portion size and eat less…but that is hard during the holidays. We had planned to be out of town, but plans changed and we’re home…safe and sound! So it was time to joyously celebrate the Christmas season together a bit early. Safety first, of course, which included washing our hands frequently while socially distancing as appropriate.

We had a couple of great meals including a new family favorite…Rice Bowls. It is sort of like sushi—only not wrapped in nori—and since most of us prefer cooked rather than raw fish we concentrated on cooked crab, sautéed shrimp and smoked salmon. Cucumbers are a tasty veggie that all of the grandkiddos enjoy, so those were sliced and chopped to incorporate them into the rice bowl, as well as chopped carrots, sliced avocado, grilled chopped asparagus, seaweed salad and squid salad. The meat and veggies were piled onto sushi rice, sprinkled with chopped nori, sauces and sesame seeds. Served along with fresh sliced pears and oranges, which were a gift from dear friends. It was an easy and very tasty meal since everyone built their own bowls! Try it…you might find a new favorite for your family, too.

© 2020 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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