My Cooking Will Be Grand

My Cooking Will Be Grand

Debbie McEwen 

Will we eat in heaven?

I'd like to think we might

I'd love to share a meal

With everyone in sight.

I'd cook my favorite dishes

And fix them oh so well

To please all of my family

And everyone else as well.

Heaven's such a perfect place

With joyful prayers and song

That I would like to add

Happy fuel for everyone.

I would humbly offer

My cooking to my God

I'd like to think if I do my best

My efforts He would laud.

I've never been a perfect cook

Or perfect anything

But I believe that God is pleased

When we do our best for Him.

So I guess that I must practice

To be the best I can

So when I go to heaven

My cooking will be grand.

tmcewen91@yahoo.com

Let’s pray:

   Father, I ask that You guide my efforts to serve You and others by with my talents.
   The abilities come from You, and I'll do my best to work with them for the Kingdom.
   We know You have good plans for us, and we thank You for them.
   Have Your way in my life, Lord. Help me be sensitive to what You're showing me to do for others.
   I'll look to Your enablement in my being a blessing. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 32:8 "I Will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.."

Today’s quote:  Our Daily Bread: “Lord, help me remember that there are no small places or small people. All are precious in Your sight. May I see the value of my work and cherish it as You do. Anyone doing God’s work in God’s way is important in His sight." 7/20/14

Some thoughts today: Learn your lessons well, so you can help others in the things of God.

- God approves of you! He has affirmed you. He is pleased in what you've done. Do you have many choices to chose from? God will help you, if you'll let Him.

          What to do every day when you wake up…

          by Danica Sinclair Dunphey, —from the

  sermon series on Ephesians by Richard Sinclair.

  Listen to the messages on  http://www.cfconline.org/

 “Wake up and remind yourself that you have a part to play in the unfolding plan of God. That you are called to serve Him and to impact the lives of people around you through prayer, giving, serving, and sowing. And that nothing and no one can stop you from walking out His kingdom will for your life.
   Wake up and remind yourself that your labor in the Lord matters – that He sees your love, your sacrifice, and your patience toward all men, and especially toward the saints, and that He will not forget your work and labor of love.”

17th- Sunday’s post:  I Didn't Quit!
James Cagle

17th- evening's post:  Rock Bottom
Diana Derringer

19th- Tuesday's post:  #111  Male Leaders and Female Intercessors C. Peter Wagner

21st- Thursday's post:  #112  Go and Do It!
C. Peter Wagner  (last message from PRAYER SHIELD)

A popular post:  Becoming More Fruitful Gwen Smith shares with us, "On a family visit to the beach, our room had a balcony that overlooked the swimming pool. 

I sat on the balcony one morning and watched as a maintenance man for the resort approached a palm tree and pulled a brown, life-less branch from under the green leaves. 

Oddly, before he pulled the dead branch, I hadn’t even noticed it was there. After he pulled it, however, I noticed that the palm tree looked fresh and vibrant. Healthy. The pruning made such a difference!"

Samples of Jean's Crafts

http://twitter.com/jeanoathout

http://facebook.com/jean.oathout

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse 

Bridal Shower Devotional: Bridal

Wisdom for Women

Wisdom for Brides (Christian
Marriage, Counseling, & Help)

#110 Physical Dependency

C. Peter Wagner has said,
"I have said enough about
immorality in the ministry
to give us the impression it
has become one of Satan's
most effective tools in
crippling the church in our
day and age.

It should come as no surprise to suggest that Satan would like to destroy relationships between pastors and intercessors through an inappropriate physical contact.

Most cases of pastoral indiscretion have been sparked in the counseling relationship, contacts with staff members taking second place.

I have not as yet heard of immoral physical relationships between pastors and intercessors, although I do know of one pastor's I1 intercessor running off with the pastor's father.

Inappropriate contact is a constant danger that needs to be understood and avoided. 

Research shows that the great majority of pastors are male and great majority of intercessors are female. This situation is not likely to change in the near future.

To avoid the danger of wrong contacts totally, some pastors such as John Maxwell only relate to male prayer partners.

This is not that either John or his wife, Margaret, have any kind of excessive phobia about John's relating to women in the general course of his pastoral ministry. He relates as well as any.

{John relates His stronger strengths are to teach men, so he teaches them to pray for him and his ministry.}

Furthermore, John has rightly observed that in the average congregation women pray much more than men.

In his congregation he wants as many men praying as women, so he directs his attention toward motivating and training men to pray.

John Maxwell does not teach that all pastors should have the same policy he has, but it goes without saying, many pastors should follow his example. Or they should recruit family members as intercessors."

#110 Physical Dependency,

in the series taken from C. Peter 

Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD, 

How to intercede for pastors,

Christian leaders and others 

on the spiritual  frontlines.
(pgs. 192-193) by Regal Books

NEW UPDATED VERSION:

Retail: $14.99 Save 20% ($3.00)

$11.99
Prayer Shield, rev. and updated ed.: How to Intercede for Pastors and Christian Leaders

C. Peter Wagner

CHOSEN / 2014 / TRADE PAPERBACK

Let’s pray: 

   Father, when I pray for

my pastor(s) and leaders, may

I remember that they are human,

like me, and to make sure I

don't do anything to cause

anyone to speak against my

behavior, or theirs.

   I understand that I'm

responsible to always to be

careful and respectful, and to make sure I am appropriately handling myself in their presence.

   I want to be an excellent prayer partner for my leaders, and I ask that You help me be one who knows what You require.

   In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Is. 29:24 "They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine."

Today’s quote: Dennis Fisher – “Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can now approach God without fear. God’s penalty for sin has been satisfied, and we are invited into God’s presence: 'Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace” Heb. 4:16.

Our thought today: The glory of God is the love of God flowing through us. This love of God isn't stopped by imperfection. Can we love imperfect people in our churches? Remember, we weren't "perfect" when God arrested our thinking, and revealed His love to us!

   What to do every day when you wake up…

  (shared by Danica Sinclair Dunphey, —from the

  sermon series on Ephesians by Richard Sinclair.

  Listen to the messages on  http://www.cfconline.org/

 “Wake up and remind yourself that His intended purpose was to adopt you as His own in Jesus Christ!

Wake up and remind yourself that you have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”

16th- Saturday’s post:  My Cooking Will be Grand!

Debbie McEwen

17th- Sunday's post:  I Didn't Quit! 

James Cagle

17th- evening's post:  Rock Bottom

Diana Derringer

19th- Tuesday's post:  #111 Male Leaders and Female Intercessors  C. Peter Wagner {I'll have only one more 

post from his book, PRAYER SHIELD}

A popular post:  FRET-

FREE LIVING   Dave 

Branon  shares with us, 

"Does it bother you to 

see how much attention 

is paid in today’s culture 

to people who stand for 

all the wrong things? 

Perhaps it is entertainment stars who get the headlines 

while espousing immoral philosophies in their music, 

movies, or programs." 

jowildflowers@gmail.com

Samples of Jean's crafts

http://twitter.com/jeanoathout

http://facebook.com/jean.oathout

AuthorsDen.com
Where authors and readers come together!

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse  
Kindle $2.99

Bridal Shower Devotional: Bridal

Wisdom for Women

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse 

My book in paperback $7.95

(Check out the Reviews on the

Kindle page of my book)

Wisdom for Brides (Christian Marriage,

Counseling, & Help) (Volume 1)

#109 Emotional Dependency

C. Peter Wagner shares
with us about emotional
dependency today:

"Cindy Jacobs warns us, 
'The partners might become
emotionally wrapped up in
you, or you in them, in a
way that is not healthy.'

This does not mean you must not have a specially close relationship with one or more intercessors, but it does mean the relationship must at all times be an objective relationship.

If you find yourself down when the intercessor is down it can be a danger sign. The intercessor (unless it is the spouse or a close family member) should never become a focal point of personal happiness or fulfillment.

To imagine, 'If I lost my intercessor I wouldn't be able to go on in my ministry' is a sign of emotional dependency.

Some have used the term 'emotional adultery.' 

Physical adultery involves delivering your body to another; 
emotional adultery is delivering your soul.

There is a line between friendship and affection. Crossing that line with an intercessor can lead to disaster."

#109 Emotional Dependency,

in the series taken from C. Peter 

Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD, 

How to intercede for pastors,

Christian leaders and others 

on the spiritual  frontlines. 

(pg.192) by Regal Books

NEW UPDATED VERSION:

$11.99 Retail: $14.99 Save 20% ($3.00)
Prayer Shield, rev. and updated ed.: How to Intercede for Pastors and Christian Leaders

C. Peter Wagner CHOSEN / 2014 / TRADE PAPERBACK

There will be only 3 more posts from this book. I plan to begin Wagner's book, WARFARE PRAYER (How to Seek God's Power and Protection in the Battle to Build His Kingdom), on the 23rd of September, after my vacation {Sept. 13th to 22nd} I'll be posting other Faith Messages until then. Wagner's book is offered very cheaply on the above link, if you'd like a copy.

Let’s pray:

   Father, we realize our
need for Your help in this
matter.

   It's easy to depend on 
someone elses' prayers, 
and not take care of that 
ourselves.

   Remind us that we should take time each day to seek Your help and guidance in our plans, so we can walk in the power and strength You want to give us.

   I ask this in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Today’s Bible verse:  Ps. 37:23 "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way."

Today’s quote: Bill Crowder – “It is only from God that we can receive the grace of forgiveness when our choices have produced painful regrets. And only in Him do we find the wisdom to make better choices.”

Some thoughts today: See yourself as a part in improving the lives of others. Ask God what your part is in helping them. You are already impacting lives, by the way, just by being you.

- Understand where your real reward comes from. You have value before God. Your destiny is in His hands.

    What to do every day when you wake up...

         by Danica Sinclair Dunphey, —
     from the sermon series on Ephesians
       by Richard Sinclair. Listen to the
   messages on http://www.cfconline.org/

 “Wake up and remind yourself that you have been made a partaker of the divine nature — the precious Holy Spirit has made you alive to God, and that the power of the Holy Spirit in you is sufficient to carry you through every difficulty, every challenge, every snare, and every temptation – and to strengthen you in the midst of all adversity.

Wake up and remind yourself that your worth comes from Him – the one who bought you. And if the world around you fails completely to see your worth, it doesn’t change a thing – your worth is settled in Him. He loved you and gave it all for you.”

14th- Thursday’s post:  #110  Physical Dependency

C. Peter Wagner

16th- Saturday's post:  My Cooking will be Grand!
Debbie McEwen

17th- Sunday's post:  I Didn't Quit!

James Cagle

17th- evening's post: Rock Bottom

Diana Derringer

A popular post: Why We Need to Forgive  Jean Oathout shares with us some thoughts on our need to forgive. "When we are in denial of any Unforgiveness, we are actually hurting ourselves..."

jowildflowers@gmail.com

Samples of Jean's crafts

http://twitter.com/jeanoathout

http://facebook.com/jean.oathout

AuthorsDen.com
Where authors and readers come together!

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse  
Kindle $2.99

Bridal Shower Devotional: Bridal

Wisdom for Women

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse 

My book in paperback $7.95

(Check out the Reviews on the

Kindle page of my book)

Wisdom for Brides (Christian Marriage,

Counseling, & Help) (Volume 1)

To Him Be the Glory

Heather Ricks - The slumber of my son is peaceful, but the waking hours bring the storm. 

Specialists from every field of medicine, including psychologists and spiritual leaders, have failed to diagnose the strange phenomenon happening to my son. 

He has been prescribed various types of medicine, yet his symptoms have only seen ripples of hope before he fades back into pain. 

He has good days where we think he is pulling through, and other days he can barely open his eyes or walk.

Many offer advice that usually begins, 'Have you tried this?' or 'Could it be this?' I have to stifle my sarcasm, knowing they are only trying to help.

If specialists are stumped, chances are good that sleeping with a vaporizer or giving him a special vitamin is not the solution. 

That certainly would have saved us a lot of money and sleepless nights.

Someone once asked if I was tempted to walk away from my faith. To be honest, I had not even seen that as an option. 

The only hope to which I cling is that I worship a big God who created my son and intimately knows him. That does not mean I have not become angry with God or flooded Him with questions. I am human. 

Thank God my sobbing 
and often incomprehensible 
prayers are heard, and He 
holds me close.

Understanding that God 
allows suffering for His 
glory is a hard lesson to 
comprehend. 

I certainly would not have chosen to have my son go through debilitating attacks of pain. 

However, God does not necessarily do what I feel is the right plan of action or provide the easiest journey. He does things for His glory, and I must trust His plans which I do not see. 

Knowing this does not mean I stop feeling emotions or stop searching for answers. Knowing this simply tells me that God is working through my tears.

No matter what your circumstances, know this––your life is in God’s hands. Trust that He sees beyond your feeble sight and that all things are for His glory. 

Through it all, even the endless valleys, worship the One True God, for from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen."

To Him Be the Glory - Heather Ricks

"For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen." Romans 11:36 NIV

(Google image added)

Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net and photostock.

Heather Ricks is an SIM 

missionary who has lived 

in Ghana, West Africa. 

She uses writing as an act 
of worship and storytelling 

as a way to draw others 

into the presence of God. 

She has published two short stories, 

each to a secular audience with the 

purpose of exhibiting the loving attributes of God. 

Currently living in the United States, Heather utilizes her talents as a storyteller to train new missionaries in how best to share their own stories in order to connect people with the work of God around the world. 

Visit Heather Ricks at thericksjourney.comor email her at heather.ricks@sim.org.

Read Heather's devotions.

Receive a daily devotion on your Kindle!

www.lighthousepublishingofthecarolinas.com

Where readers come for books that enrich.

Fiction ~ Devotionals ~ Christian Living

To Make A Pearl

by James Cagle

The forming of a priceless pearl

Is wrought in secret, where men can’t see.

Between the shellfish’ leadened palms;

On the floor of the deep billowing sea.

Affliction is the main ingredient,

Rich lustrous beauty is created through pain.

The purest beauty comes through suffering,

Such wisdom of God we just can’t explain.

One grain of sand in the shell’s flesh

Is the seed that germinates the coveted prize.

Through sore affliction it is worked upon,

Until a pearl, most precious, is realized.

Similar is God’s working with us

When He’s refining and molding a saint.

As through His hands, He lovingly brings

Sorrow and grief, our soul to acquaint.

The priceless pearl cannot be made

Unless first an offence enters the shell.

Likewise heartaches come our way,

But first through Christ in Whom we dwell.

The shellfish’ pain generates the substance

To create a rare and priceless pearl,

Likewise our Lord, when we are in pain

Gives us His grace to fashion His pearl.

Without affliction there would be no pearls

Nor would there ever be a godly man

For pain is essential in creating a pearl

As well as many sorrows, a godly man.

Our Lord we know was a man of sorrows

And well acquainted with grief

He knows therefore what we’re able to bear

And He knows when to bring us relief.

A godly man is molded by affliction.

Christ’ beauty is created in him through pain.

He suffers in ways that most men can’t see

Before God’s pearl is the world’s gain.

Remember now when you see a pearl

That you’re seeing triumph over trial,

You’re seeing victory over affliction,

And know on God’s face there is a smile.

So, endure your sore and painful afflictions

And remember that God is making a pearl.

As His love and grace are sealed upon you

You’ll show His beauty to a sin-sick world."

 James Cagle

Let’s pray:

   Father, though we don't
choose to have some
troubles and pain, may
we trust You during them.

Help us remember, You
are creating something in
us that will bring us joy
in overcoming the
challenges.

   May I see Your Hand in what is going on in my life, and to understand that You give grace to see me through it all.

   I ask this is Jesus' Name. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: John 24:2 "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me."

Today’s quote:  Our Daily Bread

“God is still on the throne,
He never forsaketh His own;
His promise is true, He will not forget you,
God is still on the throne.” —Suffield

Some thoughts today: We're a vessel through whom the Holy Spirit flows to meet the needs of others.

- The issue is to obey God's leading to pray for someone. The Holy Spirit takes it then, to heal them.

- Just because you pray, and something happened, doesn't mean you have the gift for it. God heals through any willing child of His, who prays for others. We can see healings, miracles, or prophesy working at any time, as well as for those who have those special giftings. 

    What to do every day when you wake up…

  (shared by Danica Sinclair Dunphey, —from the

  sermon series on Ephesians by Richard Sinclair.

  Listen to the messages on  http://www.cfconline.org/

 “Wake up and remind yourself that God doesn’t exist for you – you exist for Him. Remind yourself that He is not your servant – you are His servant. Remind yourself that He owes you nothing but that you owe Him everything.

Wake up and remind yourself that you were purchased for God by the precious blood of Christ, the costly blood of Christ, that God spared nothing in pursuing you. And that the life you now live is not your own; you belong to Him.”

12th- Tuesday’s post: #109  Emotional Dependency 
C. Peter Wagner

14th- Thursday's post:  #110  Physical Dependency 
C. Peter Wagner

16th- Saturday's post:  My Cooking Will Be Grand! 
Debbie McEwen

17th- Sunday's post:  I didn't Quit! 
James Cagle

A popular post:

The Legend of the Circle 
Maker Mark Batterson -
 “Young children danced 
in the downpour like it was 
the first rainfall they’d 
ever seen. 

And it was. 

Parents threw back their heads, opened their mouths, and caught raindrops like they were libations.   And they were." 

jowildflowers@gmail.com

Samples of Jean's crafts

http://twitter.com/jeanoathout

http://facebook.com/jean.oathout

AuthorsDen.com
Where authors and readers come together!

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse  
Kindle $2.99 

Bridal Shower Devotional: Bridal

Wisdom for Women

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse 

My book in paperback $7.95

(Check out the Reviews on the

Kindle page of my book)

Wisdom for Brides (Christian
Marriage, Counseling, & Help) (Volume 1)