A Ministry of Christian Chefs International (CCI)

Monday, November 28, 2016

Being Real...Intermezzo



God Day everyone!....If you hadn't been introduced via this blog to Pastor Kelly from The Life Center and I love this brother just because he is a Real guy really in Love with Jesus and really being obedient to the calling to feed His lambs, sheep, and tending His(Jesus') flock..thats us!. Pastor Kelly has graciously allowed me to share his "sharings". He leads his flock by Bible reading...and in recent times reading the book of Ezekiel...now The Word is always something that should have priority in our lives...Really! I encourage you to check out these two chapters and taste and see what God is saying to you...here is a glimpse of what Kelly shared about them...OK go read then come back...Have a groovy God day and TIA! For your prayers, attentiveness, and well..just being who you are...His creations His Love shown here on this planet...




Ezekiel 45. Position, power and authority are to be used to benefit others not ourselves. Israel's princes have been using their power selfishly. God tells Ezekiel to proportion the land for it's proper uses and to instruct the princes to lead well and promote wealth, health and fairness to all. God wants everyone to benefit from each other and support each other. Entitlements of the powerful are destructive to society. We should promote a level playing field, equal opportunity and encourage those who are successful to help others around them succeed too. God wants everyone to be blessed and no one to be oppressed.




Ezekiel 46. When it comes to worship, gratitude and thankfulness there are minimums and then there are those who go way beyond the minimums. Let's take our worship, gratitude and thankfulness for God to a higher level. Let's take our gratitude and thankfulness for others to a whole new level also today. The Bible calls it free will offerings. Freely offer more gratitude and thankfulness to those around you. You will love the results! There are so many reasons for worship, gratitude and giving. Pick one or two and get busy.




Rock and Roll! Jesus is the Rock....and we Roll!

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Being Real ...is there an echo in here?


Praying you are deep into the culinary journey that is leftovers...and just when you get the urge for a second or third helping...here is another "helping"...
...Brother Lawrence (if you don't know who or what I am talking about look back and read from the beginning).  Yes Bro Larry felt having a proper heart about tasks, made every detail of his life possess surpassing value. We acknowledge that in our ATTITUDE...He writes again..."I began to live as if there were no one... except God and me in the world." Brother Lawrence felt that he cooked meals, ran errands, scrubbed pots, and endured the scorn of the world alongside God. One of his most famous sayings refers to his kitchen:
"The time of working does not with me differ from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament“ ...one of the “means and methods of coming to God’s Love..."and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus..."  I hope these nibbles speak to your heart and I encourage you to read more...and hear what this regular guy wrote... about what was happening to Him, and be reminded that He created and put you  right there!   Right where you are... right now...
In our journey through life in this experience sometimes we tire of being real in this world...Read Rom 7 how Paul was like ..." O wretched man that I am!..." much of life's experiences are meant to distract and misguide...we just see it as stuff that is happening...thinking maybe even God is doing that!  Now as we grow and begin to live in the truth that life is all about choices...We are so loved that we get it all freedom of choice...including the consequences of our choices...Look at those walls around the Prisons, Schools and yes even churches...and life without Jesus had us build a protective wall around our hearts...so massive our hearts become one with the wall...hearts made of stone...Time to go to the Stone Mason of our lives get yoked with him and start chippin' away...little by little day by day....Some famous artists say that the sculpture is already in the stone...we just need to chip away all the pieces in the way...God who made us is entirely the best "choice" to put in charge of your being revealed as the creation you were meant to be....Ah Yes!  
Now...what can I do with this stuffing, and yams...Hmmmmm
rock and Roll Jesus is the Rock.....and we Roll! 
...OH yeah ...pass me a roll  ;)

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Thanksgiving 2016 . . . Something and Some Song For Everybody November 23, 2016



Spending time this weekend with family and with friends who are special seems to fit well with a day dedicated to the giving of thanks. Aren’t they the ones whose love is not based on our performance? Whose forgiveness covers hurtful words and selfish deeds? What comfort! And in our better moments, how grateful we are . . .For Our Father who does that...as is His "nature".

And isn’t it the transcendence of such love and forgiveness, gifts from beyond the limits of space and time, that makes the celebration of that comfort worth miles of travel? Michael Martin Murphey in his song “What’s Forever For?” minces no words: “What’s the glory in living? . . . If love never lasts forever, tell me... what’s forever for?”

For those of us with a more utilitarian bent, the health benefits of gratitude are now well documented. Maybe medical school curricula should be tweaked a bit? . . . ;)

And when the national well-being comes to mind . . . So does the Battle Hymn of the Republic..."Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!"
From one of President Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Day proclamations: “I recommend to [my fellow citizens] that . . . they . . . fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.” (By the President: Abraham Lincoln; William H. Seward, Secretary of State; October 3, 1863)

To our readers, with Wayne Newton, we sing “Danke Schoen”
And in our finest Elvis voice...“Thank you very much . . .”

God is Love...so go and just do that...

 Rock and Roll!  Jesus is the Rock...and we Roll!
and Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at Christian Chefs International and the Christian Culinary Academy!!

P.S. For other old Jesus Freaks like me...
“Now it all started two Thanksgivings ago, was on - two years ago on
Thanksgiving, when my friend and I went up to visit Alice at the
restaurant, but Alice doesn't live in the restaurant . . .” Arlo Guthrie’s “Alice’s Restaurant”

Monday, November 21, 2016

Being Real...again!



Looking back and looking up...to the great cloud of witnesses that have gone before and the same crowd...that cheers us on...to where we are...where God placed us purposefully...right here...right now...it may be a mountain top...It may be a hard hard place...As we continue this part of the journey...

...Just as we in the mission field of our homes...it is a gift to be able to work in the industry and the home ….For that is Holy Ground!
Why did God tell Moses in Exodus 3...and later to Joshua...

v.5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

That harkens to Joshua 1:3, where the Lord promised to be everywhere that Joshua set his feet. The pillar of cloud may vanish, and the column of fire may be extinguished, but God's presence was just as real as ever. Your living room is holy ground, for Jesus is there. Your bedroom is holy ground. Your Kitchen is holy ground. Your classroom or workplace is holy ground, for everywhere you go, Jesus is there...In you. If you all do not know nor heard of Brother Lawrence pleas allow me to introduce you to one of the great cloud of witnesses...who sometimes is called the "patron saint" of the kitchen...

Brother Lawrence was a french monk in the 1600's who lived and served in France. Born Nicolas Herman after joining the Carmelite order took the name "Lawrence of the Resurrection". He was assigned to the kitchen at the monastery where he came into a so intimate and passionate spiritual revelation one we are fortunate to share. And to the heart of this message ...that it's not about religion but about relationship...just about being ...real. He wrote letters compiled in a book called “Practicing the presence of God” which was printed after his death in 1691. he writes, "Men invent means and methods of coming to God's love, they learn rules and set up devices to remind them of that love, and it seems like a world of trouble to bring oneself into the consciousness of God's presence. That is called Religion...Yet it might be so simple. Is it not quicker and easier just to do our common business wholly for the love of him?"

As Jesus said “ Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? Is it religion or relationship? It’s all about a relationship with Our Father...we want Him to be proud of us!



For Brother Lawrence, "common business," no matter how mundane or routine, could be a medium of God's love. The sacredness or worldly status of a task mattered less than motivation behind it. God sees the heart and motivation...the heart of the Action...Amen? Another quote from his letters..."Nor is it needful that we should have great things to do. . . We can do little things for God; I turn the cake that is frying on the pan for love of him, and that done, if there is nothing else to call me, I prostrate myself in worship before him, who has given me grace to work; afterwards I rise happier than a king. It is enough for me to pick up but a straw from the ground for the love of God." That is what we want those we feed to see in us...to Taste and See...

I encourage you to google Bro Lawrence...and if the Spirit moves...check out his letters...Hmmm I may be able to share it with you...just leave a message here or on facebook...or at my email chef.leo(at)christianchefs.org

So chew on this amuse-bouche a bit and come back for the next course ...

Rock and Roll! Jesus is the Rock...and we Roll!

Friday, November 18, 2016

Being Real...Really!


Real-ly! 
     After years of service, I still get passionate about our profession...and I am content to still be able to contribute in this ministry. Why? Because of the Passion Jesus showed as He walked through this earth and took on our image...

     I believe in our mission, and the guiding principles of our work. I am very com­mitted with a teamwork approach and enjoy the variety of challenges ...Yes many of us in the world can cook...and as I like to share there are millions of awesome "Chefs" out there...most of them are called...Mom.  
     As Chefs we are wanting to create and produce memorable cuisine food that transcends the physical and feeds the Soul. I was talking once to a young man  13 years of age...and when I asked him what his favorite food was his eyes grew large pupils dilated a bit smiled and said "My Mom's fried chicken and we are having it tonight!".  I could see the physical reaction and excitement to that occurring and he was excited!...
     So...Being always in search of special recipes and "secret" ingredients and wanting to know the secret of such an influential meal...I went to his Mom ( they were our next door neighbors), and struck up a conversation as she cooked, and asked her about her fried chicken focusing to remember each step and nuance that made this fried chicken so special.  She patiently told me...she just put salt and pepper in Flour...dredged the chicken in it and fried it in generic oil till brown and done...I asked her about the chicken...she said whatever was on sale at the store...I asked her about the oil...same she had used soy, corn and peanut   didn't matter to her.   OK so I thought  and asked about her Pan...maybe it was her great granny's seasoned cast Iron....Nope...it was just her large skillet... she didn't even have a cast iron griswold...I even asked about the Salt and pepper!   special method? I asked  "no " she said.."just medium heat and watch it so it doesn't burn."  Hmmm   
     As she hollered for her kids...I felt her presence of being the caretaker, and lover of her family...simple pure Love...She put a couple pieces on a plate and said "here's some for you and your wife...we have plenty"  I thanked her and took it home.  Cat was glad we didn't have to cook on such a hot day...it was a blessing...so we pulled some leftovers and salad and ate dinner...We said a few words thanking Our Father for the provision and asked him to bless our neighbors...then dug in I grabbed a piece and took a bite and while it was nothing special to look at  or texturally nothing "outstandingly special" The flavor...was chicken!  So I settled in to eating...and as I chewed it sorta "filled" me   the Chicken became....more.  I was holding it, I could feel it...I could see it it was Golden brown...and the taste just soared in my mouth to umami and beyond!      Actually it was...the best fried chicken I had tasted in quite a  long time...I always had a saying that sticks with me to this day  " My goal is not to analyze ...but to realize" ....Really!  In all my figuring out I missed the "secret ingredient"....and now I was tasting it. Not only the grand amount of affection and Love...but I thought I could taste if not a happy chicken  then one that was content...I was getting a taste of the Big Picture...or in a food expression...the whole enchilada!  As I ate I heard in that small still voice " This..is my body given for you...and as I reached for a drink " ...and this is the cup of the new covenant that I make with you  today ...here...now..."
      I seek daily to ‘do the right thing.’ And that transcends to the home...I know we make a difference in the lives of many but will never get that kind of recognition. I of­ten tell staff and others that the biggest and most success­ful testimony that makes a difference that I have encountered in my career is simple to describe: It’s the working relationship between staff and clients. JUst as we do in family...We role model behavior and attitude for others. Just as we in the mission field of our homes...we take it to the streets...Do you have any experiences where you could taste the Love?  Try to remember...Tasting and seeing...and with eyes open wide go and do likewise...share...taste and see!

Have a groovy day and lets get real again ...real soon perhaps tomorrow!
  
Rock and Roll!  Jesus is the Rock...and we ROLL!

Thursday, November 17, 2016

There is a reason...

There is a song that Cat wanted me to learn and I was in the process of learning it when she passed...She didn’t do that ...normally.  She must of had a reason...the song is a Ron Block Song sung by Alison Krauss   as you listen or youtube it up later...you will be blessed.  I will learn it and play it for my favorite audience of one ...Jesus now present with Cat  Wow the audience is growing….Rock and Roll yall!  Jesus is the Rock...and we Roll!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKXi7Q6OFjI


There Is A Reason
               
I've seen hard times and I've been told
                        
There isn't any wonder that I fall
                   
Why do we suffer crossing off the years
                           
There must be a reason for it all
                                
I've trusted in you Jesus to save me from my sins
                    
Heaven is a place I call my home
                                         
But I keep on getting caught up in this world I'm livin' in
                               
And Your voice, it sometimes fades before I know


Hurting brings my heart to you crying with my need
                          
Depending on Your love to carry me
                           
The love that shed His blood for all the world to see
                             
This must be the reason for it all

                                               
Hurtin' brings my heart to you, A fortress in the storm
                                
what I wrap my heart around is one
                                
I give my heart so easily to the ruler of this world
                                     
When the one who loves me most will give me all

                                               
In all the things that cause me pain, you give me eyes to see    
                          
I do believe, but help my unbelief
                   
I've seen hard times, and I've been told
                 

There is a reason for it all

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Reminders...

God morning Sisters and Brothers! Wow...so much going on...Thankful that God has got us all close to His heart and loving us more than we can imagine...As I shared in the previous couple blogs about the Light...Sometimes its a Genesis 1:1 day...And as I awoke today just had a blast of "Yay! we have another day! and THIS is the day!" I shared that with Mac...Just excited about whatever happens today as I get another chance ...to let that Light shine..I just have to get out of the way! And let God shine...that "little light of mine" is like a Pilot Light...sparking a more better light and not hoarding it for myself but letting go...Letting God....

I saw this post from Cat a while back...thought I would share this "Blast from the past" hoping it will be a blessing to you....
Isaiah 43:2-4
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
...“Since you are precious in My sight,
...and I love you,

Matthew 6:10
‘Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.

Lamentations 3:32
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,
so great is his unfailing love.

Psalm 63:8
My soul clings to You;
Your right hand upholds me.

When we pass through the waters, God will be there with us. God wants us to trust Him even when we are in deep waters.
Don't be concerned about your feelings during an emergency. The most important thing is that we turn to God, trusting that He is indeed with us. When our heart is sinking under waves of panic, don't focus on those feelings. Instead, Look to God, for "as your soul clings to Me, My right hand will uphold you"--keeping us safe in turbulent waters.

Each jot and tittle of the word to me is like a kiss an intimate sharing of His Love...a group of verses like the ones the Holy Spirit inspired Cat to share...are like a huge hug!
Be Loved, Be Blessed and Be...His Light
Rock and Roll!  Jesus is the Rock...and we Roll!

Sunday, November 13, 2016

But now...Therefore...

As I read the Word I love "every Jot and every Tittle" . (dot) . (comma) / slash \ backslash # hashtag everyjotandeverytittle haha even those like stones cry out and praise God... especially the words ..like and, but, now..and the word Therefore we all know when we see that we ask ourselves " What is that there...for?" They gently lead us to the next revelation of the Word in our hearts and minds...And you all know what my "mantra" is , a main saying "Run don't walk to the Word of God" and "Rock and Roll Jesus ( The Word) is the Rock...and we Roll!" And so we roll on as I roll and I pause and yes shudder in the aftermath of recent events...looking on the facebook and elsewhere seeing unfortunately even the "christians" join in in this battle...But I thank God! For the Word today brings up what has been wrapping around my mind and heart...so I humbly submit and encourage you to read Peter's first letter. chapter 2. Just to edify...I love Pete! Rock on Rock! We all know Simon the gruff senior fisherman of the gang Jesus recruited ...so vibrantly human in all its not so gloriousness but I think we all can identify with him...at least in the way he expressed himself his feelings and emotions, and even actions...he was a kind of epitome of human characteristics...our characteristics...and in seeing him/us in the time spent with Jesus on earth we also can marvel at least I am amazed at what happened when everything changed...the filling of the Holy Spirit...Pete "knew" of God...he got to "know" Jesus...and made the connections when the Holy Spirit brought it all together for him...and I see it in his letters....in them I do not see the former Simon...I see THE Rock indwelling and expressing himself in this "Rock". I see a man living by the life of another...Jesus. And in that I catch glimpses of me...in the past and after the "change". To coin a line from the Matrix " some things never change...and some things do" and in that truth ONE thing not only never changes abut remains after all is said...and done...The Love of God!  This source is eternal...to say the least.  And Pete and the others made that choice to follow and enter in to a relationship and to yes fall in love with...
      And as everything begins with choice ( yeesh gonna have to stop watching matrix reruns haha ) As it is written in Joshua 24 "choose for yourselves this day..." and to add from the psalmist Robert Zimmerman song Gotta serve somebody:
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed
You're gonna have to serve somebody,
It may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you're gonna have to serve somebody.

Make a choice  cross that line  It will be the Day the Lord has made!
Rock and Roll...For Pete's sake!  ;)
and Oh...when you read 1 Peter 2  read in the NKJ and Message  they work so well together in getting that Word s into your head and heart    

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Let there be Light...part quatro...musical intermezzo


God morning my Mis en Place!...[ I am a bit ADD  so bear with me as I seem to be chasing rabbits sometimes but I pray that it speaks to you in our common purpose, and goal in this message ;)  Sometimes  as I read the Bible I find myself in what I am reading and I see and hear what is being revealed by the written words.  I pray you find yourself there also in His Word..In His Heart...IN HIs Love, Purpose, and Will]  Oh look a bunny!

In the beginning God said “Let there be light!” From that moment on it has been His will that all creation serve as a revelation of His love to those He has created. period, dot, dotdotdot...

Paul tells us that God has shown what He is like by everything He has created — “the invisible things of Him are clearly seen in the things that are made” (Rom.1:20).  Thats right  CLEARLY seen...
I was once encouraged by a pastor to take my coffee/tea outside each morning ( or whenever) and "take in"see the creation working in His "nature"...see the things He made...not mankind necessarily  for they too have a God purpose...they are to give glory and be that revelation...yeah it may be a little trafficy...or the view may be a block wall...or the neighbors may be spreading manure on their garden....but there is something of nature there  a breeze perhaps..some light stars, moon, Sun...sounds...Birds, other beasts mewing or barking...or if you are fortunate as I am   the ocean waves washing ashore a small creek running ...Oh its a wonder-ful day!  If we can clearly see or even catch a glimpse of the amazing diversity in the One-ness of God-Love-Light...in all this...then we can look to the Word written, and catch more glimpses...with a purpose of clearly seeing...letting the Word get into you...as you get into the Word...
So as Our Father said "I Am" Let us ask Him  "You are...what?"  think ( say aloud ) a one word response to finish the phrase ... "God is __________"

God is powerful. God is thoughtful. God is awesome... So many things as we read the Bible. We see all this and more in creation. But God, in all and above all, is LOVE — that’s the one thing He wants us to know above all other things that He certainly is.

And, the crowning moment in the unfolding process of that singular revelation happened when Jesus came.  Hallelujah!

Paul tells us that Jesus was “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). 
So...for a minute...let us be there with the first disciples and perhaps identify with Phillip...(who would go on to do amazing things) Read in John 14:9 AMP where it is written, “Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time, and you do not know Me yet, Philip, nor recognize clearly who I am? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’"  Wow   the words "clearly",and "I am"...  just leap off the page...ok so there we have it...clear as mud right?   Jesus said many amazing things ...and when He said to Phillip "you do not know Me yet" therein is a key  one of so many...to know him by how?  spending time with Him, listening to Him, working with Him...indeed falling in Love with Him...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgxVj_xsL6w

OK forgive the musical interlude but All True Love songs are God songs...Amen?  This song is an oldie..you know as some would say the bible is an "old" book...yes its an OLdie but a Goodie!  And amazingly it is new like His mercies each morning...speaking to us here and now...very real and verrrrry  very present!  hop hop hopping back to the point  ;)

 On one occasion when speaking to a large crowd gathered in Jerusalem, Jesus said “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12)  Chew on that a bit...

We have heard the Old Testament decree – “Let there be Light!” And now we hear the New Testament reply – “I am the Light of the world!” In other words Jesus is saying, “I am the revelation of My Father’s love.” Indeed, truer words were never spoken.

At last we have a sure and unmistakable display of the one thing God has wanted all along — LIGHT shining in the darkness; God’s love triumphing over all evil.

Everything Jesus said and did was a demonstration of the overwhelming power of God’s love in every circumstance!

When Jesus healed the sick — that was God’s love in action. When He cast out demons, opened the eyes of the blind, raised the dead, turned water into wine — that was God’s love on display. Revealing Himself in His Son Messiah and Savior! When He rebuked self-righteousness and confronted those who stood in judgment over others (ouch!)— that also was a revelation of God’s love.  Now that is a wondrous Balm...Look up Balm if you need to...

Have a Groovy God day and Rock and Roll!  Jesus is the Rock ...and we Roll!

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Let there be Light..part Tres...

Wow don't you love Bible Apps?...I do get good words messages and revelation....(keyword God) from them...kinda like a text from God....here is today's just seems appropriate especially as His Word will not return ...void..it is Life to its fullness.

Proverbs 9:7-12 (MSG)

If you reason with an arrogant cynic, you’ll get slapped in the face;
confront bad behavior and get a kick in the shins.
So don’t waste your time on a scoffer;
all you’ll get for your pains is abuse.
But if you correct those who care about life,
that’s different—they’ll love you for it!
Save your breath for the wise—they’ll be wiser for it;
tell good people what you know—they’ll profit from it.
Skilled living gets its start in the Fear-of-God,
insight into life from knowing a Holy God.
It’s through me, Lady Wisdom, that your life deepens,
and the years of your life ripen.
Live wisely and wisdom will permeate your life;
mock life and life will mock you."

OK! so lets seek wisdom as we seek His presence in the Word...if you haven't please read the previous two blog entries   Thanks!  So where were we?  Oh yeah on the road to Emmaus  ;)


As mankind went forth and multiplied in the earth, God chose Abraham and his descendants to be a nation set apart (holy) so that the whole world could see a revelation of His love displayed in how He cared and provided for His own...

The giving of the Law on Mt Sinai was a revelation of His love, bringing civil order and life saving food safety instructions...yes even then it was fundamental...to a wandering people who had known nothing but oppressive slavery but whom God wanted to be that “City on a hill” a light for all to see….safe protected, guided and responsible to His presence...Love

The sending forth of Prophets and Seers, Teachers and Priests, Judges and Kings – all were expressions of His great love for His people, as He raised their standard of living and built them into a beacon, a flashlight, a torch for the world to see His great love.

And though we tripped, flopped and failed time and time again, He remained faithful in His unfailing love. This shines as a bright beacon for all who struggle through life.



But the brightest Light was yet to come; the greatest revelation of His love for all of us was just around the corner.

tbc

Rock and Roll!  Jesus is the Rock and we Roll on Sistren and brethren!

Monday, November 7, 2016

Part deux...let there be more light!


...continuation from the last blog entry which is a presentation to CCA students...we are on this journey together....Oh!  Got a Good Word this morning...

[ Simple Faith and Plain Truth ] The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 MSG
Worry about nothing...pray about EVrything...Amen?

Ok lets continue on . Every body here?  Armour on?  Shield up?  Shoes...tied on good and tight?
Lets Roll!


“God is love” ...

God is Light; and God is Love. John puts the literal and the figurative in the same letter. God is Love — that’s literal. God is Light — that’s figurative. And both mean the same thing. One is a metaphor of the other.

When we see the word “light” in the Bible, and it is not talking specifically about natural light, we can conclude that it is a figurative reference to the Love of God.

So, on Day One when God in the beginning said, “Let there be light!” – He was saying, “Let there be a revelation of My love!”

And there was.

This means that everything that has happened from Day One forward — even unto this present hour — has as its singular purpose the revealing of God’s love to us one way or another!

The Bible Summed Up in Four Words.  Let  us keep it simple Sons and Daughters...
(I love a biblical words "Every Jot and every Tittle" found in Matthew 5...but thats for another study.)  ;)

“Let there be light!” 

These four words sum up the entire Bible. Everything that follows this opening declaration by God serves the purpose of fulfilling it.  God talks...It happens...

His will is that we see a revelation of His love in everything He has made, in everything He says, and in everything He does. His purpose in all of this is that we come to know Him by being loved by Him, love Him in return, and share His love with others all around us.

The Garden in which our First Parents were placed was a revelation of God’s love for them. The bounty of His blessings and the nearness of His presence provided lavish proof of His love.

And when they yielded to the subtle temptation to “be as God” by the one being that fell for it all the way letting pride separate him from God starting his mission get in the way of these new creations by tempting them to eat the forbidden fruit – even then, though banished from Paradise, nevertheless God revealed His love by covering them with the skin of an innocent animal, slain on their behalf.

Moreover, He also provided them with protection and natural blessings in abundance as they ventured into a thorn-infested wilderness. Cursed, and yet offered mercy. Expelled, and yet provided protection. Sisters and brothers, now that’s Love.



But there’s more...tbc

Have a groovy God Day and Rock and Roll!  You got it...Jesus is the Rock and we Roll!

Friday, November 4, 2016

This is the ...next day!



From my notes leading the current years students on a Bible study....I will post piece at a time so you can taste and see ...and have it in bite size chunks... Mangia Tutti!


Some days are Genesis 1 days 
for me...well most of them are  ;) ..So lets go to Genesis...sort of spiritual time travel...in verse 3...after the chaos and the Spirit brooding over it.....

In the beginning God said, “Let there be Light; and there was Light.” This is the first thing we are told in the Bible. By this we learn two important things — God speaks, and what He says happens...OK so He is already doing and we are...for all in tents and porpoises...catching up...

Let’s focus here on what He said: “Let there be light.” What do you suppose that means?

Before you consider an answer, consider this fact. On Day One of Creation, God said, “Let there be light” and there was light. However, He did not create the sun, moon, and stars until Day Four. Therefore, the phrase, “Let there be light”, cannot mean sunshine. What, then, does it mean?

The only way we can know for certain is to let the Bible itself tell us. This is a “Bible” study Amen? And we do that by paying attention to what the Bible says about “light” in other places.

We turn to the New Testament we find that John writes in his letters, 
(1 John 1:5) “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” ... Then, later in the book, John goes on to say in (1 John 4:8, and 16)

“God is love”

TBC...

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

THIS is the day...



God day to all! And many many thankful prayers to those who did and do pray for me. All is well...in fact all is good because God is good! We continue and things happen that He is glorified and gets the credit for all those good things...Just wanted to share a little encouragement as I seek for the Lord to give me words and often it is via Sisters and Brothers in Christ who continue on in that same ministry to the saints that of encouragement and of preaching the Good News today I want to thank Pastor Kelly Lineberry of The Life Center in Kamiah Idaho...who is a faithful share-er of insight to the place ...the food from the "lunch box" if you will ...of the Word of God...You know my partner in the past my Wife Cat had a saying ( one of quite a few) this one seems appropriate as Bro Kelly also touched on it...Cat often said " Denial is not just a river in Egypt!"...and as today I prayed for words to speak to be that revelation of God in Jesus through me...Pastor Kelly shared ( OBTW he always put in a couple chapters to read to be better edified in the Word and to hear what God is sharing...Thanks Bro Kelly!)  I pray you are as blessed as I am when I read these messages  and he has given me permission to share them as God would have me...were all in this together  this fellowship this One Love that is God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit

emphasis mine  ;) 

"TLC Bible reading today is...Ezekiel 1-2. Ezekiel was used by God to help get His people through a century of catastrophe. During catastrophes there are usually two extremes; denial or despair. Some think nothing is wrong and refuse to acknowledge reality, others think everything is wrong and nothing will ever get better. Ezekiel deals with both ideas in this book as he helps Israel understand and navigate through judgment, correction and restoration. Ezekiel had a supernatural experience as he was called to be a prophet. He saw the glory of God and created beings in the heavens. God's voice spoke to him, called him and instructed him. His job would not be easy. Often people would not understand or appreciate his words but God was sending him, giving him words to speak, and instructed him to courageously persevere in his ministry so that many people would be helped."

Have a Great God day!  This is after all the day He made...so go ahead  Rejoice...again I say...Rejoice!